a primitive root; to trail along; draw (out), tear.
Transliteration:çâchab
Pronunciation:saw-khab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5498}}` (סָחַב, *çâchab*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to trail along," "to draw (out)," or "to tear." Its semantic range suggests a forceful, often violent, and undignified action. Unlike a gentle pulling, *çâchab* implies a dragging motion, typically over the ground, which can result in damage, destruction, or contemptuous removal. The nuance of "tear" further emphasizes a violent separation or rending, indicating that the drawing action is not merely transport but an act of forceful disruption or demolition. It denotes an action that overcomes resistance, often with a destructive outcome for the object being moved.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5498}}` in the Hebrew Bible are few but highly illustrative, consistently emphasizing themes of forceful removal, destruction, and ignominy.
1. **[[2 Samuel 17:13]]**: "And if he withdraw himself into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the valley, until not one small stone is found there." Here, the verb *çâchab* is used to describe the total demolition of a city. The imagery of "drawing it into the valley" suggests a complete and utter destruction, where every stone is forcibly dragged down, leaving nothing behind. This context highlights the destructive power of the action.
2. **[[Jeremiah 22:19]]**: "He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, dragged out and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem." This powerful verse describes the ignominious end of King Jehoiakim. To be "dragged out" (יִסָּחֵב, *yissāḥēḇ*) like a donkey, a beast of burden typically left unburied or contemptuously disposed of, signifies the utmost disgrace and lack of proper burial rites. It underscores a profound judgment and public humiliation, where the corpse is treated as refuse, violently pulled away from the city's sanctity.
3. **[[Jeremiah 49:20]]**: "Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he has taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall drag them away; surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them."
4. **[[Jeremiah 50:45]]**: "Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he has taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall drag them away; surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them."
In both [[Jeremiah 49:20]] and [[Jeremiah 50:45]], *çâchab* is used in prophetic contexts concerning divine judgment against nations (Edom and Babylon). The phrase "the least of the flock shall drag them away" likely refers to the weakest or most insignificant elements of the conquering force, emphasizing the utter helplessness and humiliation of the defeated. The action denotes a forceful removal, implying captivity, displacement, or even destruction, leaving their habitations desolate.
Across these occurrences, `{{H5498}}` consistently conveys a sense of overwhelming force, indignity, and destructive judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb `{{H5498}}` stands in a distinct semantic field when compared to other Hebrew words for "drawing" or "pulling." While `{{H4900}}` (מָשַׁךְ, *māšakh*) can also mean "to draw" or "pull," it often carries a broader range of applications, including drawing water, prolonging, or even drawing a bow, without necessarily implying the same degree of violence or contempt as *çâchab*. Similarly, `{{H4949}}` (מָשַׁךְ, *māšak*), a related noun, can refer to a drawing or pulling action.
In contrast, *çâchab* is more akin to "dragging" (e.g., `{{H3782}}`, כָּרַר, *kārar*, though less common) or "sweeping away," emphasizing a horizontal, often ground-level movement that is undignified and destructive. Concepts related to `{{H5498}}` include:
* **Humiliation and Disgrace**: As seen in the treatment of Jehoiakim's corpse.
* **Utter Destruction**: The complete demolition of a city.
* **Divine Judgment**: The forceful removal and desolation of nations.
* **Helplessness**: The inability to resist the forceful action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5498}}` lies in its vivid portrayal of divine judgment and the consequences of rebellion. The act of "dragging" or "tearing" is not merely a physical action but a powerful symbol of God's sovereign power to bring low the proud and to execute justice.
In the case of Jehoiakim ([[Jeremiah 22:19]]), the ignominious dragging of his corpse serves as a stark theological statement against unrighteous rule and disobedience to God's word. It demonstrates that even kings are subject to divine decree and can face a humiliating end, stripped of all honor and dignity. This contrasts sharply with the respectful burial practices expected in ancient Israel, highlighting the severity of his sin and the depth of God's displeasure.
When applied to the destruction of cities or nations ([[2 Samuel 17:13]], [[Jeremiah 49:20]], [[Jeremiah 50:45]]), *çâchab* underscores the totality of God's judgment. It implies a thorough and inescapable demolition, leaving no remnant or hope of restoration. The image of a city being "dragged into the valley" speaks to the absolute nature of divine wrath against wickedness, reducing even mighty structures to dust.
Ultimately, `{{H5498}}` serves as a potent reminder of God's justice, His ability to humble the arrogant, and the severe, often undignified, consequences that await those who defy His will. It is a word that evokes a sense of dread and the inevitability of divine reckoning.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5498}}` (סָחַב, *çâchab*) is a primitive root meaning "to trail along," "to draw (out)," or "to tear." Its usage consistently conveys a forceful, often violent, and undignified action, typically resulting in destruction or humiliation. Biblical occurrences illustrate this through the complete demolition of a city ([[2 Samuel 17:13]]), the ignominious dragging of King Jehoiakim's corpse ([[Jeremiah 22:19]]), and the forceful removal and desolation of nations under divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 49:20]], [[Jeremiah 50:45]]). Theologically, *çâchab* powerfully signifies God's sovereign judgment, His capacity to humble the proud, and the severe, often disgraceful, consequences of rebellion against His divine will. It emphasizes the totality and inescapable nature of divine reckoning.
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