### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çad**, represented by `{{H5465}}`, refers to **the stocks**, an instrument of confinement. Its definition comes from an unused root meaning to estop, or obstruct. This specific term appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the entire Bible, both within the same book.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H5465}}` are found in the book of Job, where it is used to describe a state of severe restriction and suffering. In his distress, Job accuses God, saying, "Thou puttest my feet also in the **stocks**" [[Job 13:27]]. Later, Elihu repeats Job's sentiment, stating, "He putteth my feet in the **stocks**" [[Job 33:11]]. In this context, the word is a powerful metaphor for feeling trapped, immobilized, and under intense scrutiny, with no path of escape from one's circumstances.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the themes of confinement and observation:
* `{{H7760}}` **sûwm** (to put): This primitive root signifies the action of placing or appointing. It is the verb used to describe the act of placing Job's feet in the stocks ([[Job 13:27]], [[Job 33:11]]) and also God's power to **put** words in a prophet's mouth [[Isaiah 59:21]].
* `{{H7272}}` **regel** (a foot): This word refers to the part of the body being restrained. It is used literally for walking but also symbolically to denote subjection, as when enemies are made a **foot**stool [[Psalms 110:1]].
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to hedge about, guard): This term, meaning to guard or protect, is used in these passages with the sense of to "look narrowly" or "mark" ([[Job 13:27]], [[Job 33:11]]). It highlights the close observation that accompanies the confinement, a theme also seen in the command to **observe** God's law [[Joshua 1:8]].
* `{{H734}}` **ʼôrach** (a well-trodden road): This word for a path or way is used to describe what is being monitored. While God can direct the **paths** of the just [[Proverbs 3:6]], for Job, his **paths** are the subject of God's strict marking [[Job 13:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5465}}` is tied directly to the experience of suffering and divine justice.
* **Symbol of Helplessness:** The **stocks** serve as a potent symbol for the human feeling of being completely immobilized by forces beyond one's control, a central theme in Job's struggle.
* **Intense Divine Scrutiny:** The use of **çad** is inseparable from the concept of being watched. In both verses, placing the feet in stocks is paired with the marking of one's paths, illustrating a feeling of being trapped under an inescapable and judgmental gaze ([[Job 13:27]], [[Job 33:11]]).
* **Restriction of Path:** By having one's feet in the **stocks**, one's path `{{H734}}` is completely halted. This signifies a loss of personal agency and the inability to change one's own course, which Job attributes to God's actions against him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5465}}` is a rare but impactful word. Its exclusive use in the book of Job transforms **çad** from a simple instrument of punishment into a profound metaphor. It encapsulates the feeling of being physically, emotionally, and spiritually trapped, unable to move forward and subjected to constant, meticulous observation. The word powerfully conveys the depth of Job's despair and his perception of his relationship with God during his trial.
TRV