### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâmal**, represented by `{{H535}}`, is a primitive root meaning to droop, be sick, or mourn. It is often translated as **languish**, be **weak**, or **wax feeble**. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses, primarily in the prophetic books, where it describes a state of withering, decay, and powerlessness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H535}}` depicts the effects of divine judgment or human frailty upon both nature and people. The term is frequently applied to the natural world, describing how fertile regions like Bashan and Carmel **languish** under God's rebuke [[Nahum 1:4]]. Similarly, the fig tree **languisheth** [[Joel 1:12]], the fields of Heshbon **languish** [[Isaiah 16:8]], and the oil **languisheth** [[Joel 1:10]] as a result of desolation. It is also used to describe human weakness and sorrow, as when the gates of Judah **languish** in mourning [[Jeremiah 14:2]] or a once-fruitful woman **is waxed feeble** [[1 Samuel 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are often used in conjunction with `{{H535}}` to paint a fuller picture of decay and sorrow:
* `{{H56}}` **ʼâbal** (to bewail; lament, mourn): This word is frequently paired with `{{H535}}`, directly linking the physical state of languishing with the emotional response of mourning. The earth **mourneth** and **languisheth** together in response to judgment [[Isaiah 33:9]].
* `{{H3001}}` **yâbêsh** (to dry up or wither): This term often identifies the physical cause of the languishing. In [[Joel 1:12]], the vine is **dried up**, and as a consequence, the fig tree **languisheth**.
* `{{H5034}}` **nâbêl** (to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint): This word is used to intensify the description of decay, such as when the world **languisheth** and **fadeth away** [[Isaiah 24:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H535}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes.
* **A Sign of Divine Judgment:** Languishing is consistently portrayed as a tangible result of sin and God's subsequent judgment. The land and its inhabitants **languish** as a direct consequence of their deeds [[Hosea 4:3]], and the entire earth **languisheth** because its people have transgressed [[Isaiah 24:4]].
* **The Frailty of Creation and Humanity:** The word illustrates the inherent weakness and dependency of both the natural world and human strength. The most productive lands **languish** [[Nahum 1:4]], and a woman once strong and secure **is waxed feeble**, demonstrating the temporary nature of earthly blessings [[1 Samuel 2:5]].
* **Spiritual and Moral Weakness:** Beyond physical withering, `{{H535}}` is used to describe a state of moral sickness. In a piercing address to Jerusalem, God asks, "How **weak** is thine heart," pointing to its spiritual infidelity and corruption [[Ezekiel 16:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H535}}` is a powerful and descriptive term used by the prophets to illustrate the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. Whether describing a withered field, a mourning city, or a morally weak heart, **ʼâmal** consistently points to a state of decline, decay, and powerlessness. It serves as a stark reminder of the frailty of all things apart from God and the inevitable withering that follows disobedience.
TRV