### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâchab**, represented by `{{H5498}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to trail along; draw (out), tear**. It appears only 5 times across 5 unique verses, but its usage consistently conveys a sense of forceful, often violent, dragging or removal. The word depicts an action of overwhelming power, resulting in humiliation or destruction for the object being acted upon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{H5498}}` is almost exclusively used to describe severe judgment or total conquest. As part of a divine curse, God appoints dogs to **tear** the people [[Jeremiah 15:3]]. It is used to describe the utter disgrace of a king who will be **drawn** and cast out of Jerusalem like an animal carcass [[Jeremiah 22:19]]. In a military context, it describes a plan to **draw** an entire city into a river with ropes until not a single stone is left [[2 Samuel 17:13]]. In parallel prophecies against Edom and Babylon, the term illustrates their complete downfall, where even "the least of the flock" will **draw them out** of their habitations ([[Jeremiah 49:20]], [[Jeremiah 50:45]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H5498}}` to intensify the imagery of destruction and judgment:
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely): This word is paired with **çâchab** in a list of four divine punishments, where slaying precedes being torn by dogs [[Jeremiah 15:3]].
* `{{H7993}}` **shâlak** (to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)): This action completes the motion of `{{H5498}}` in the prophecy against Jehoiakim, who is first **drawn** and then **cast forth** from the city [[Jeremiah 22:19]].
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite): In the list of judgments, being torn by dogs is followed by being devoured by birds and beasts, highlighting a complete and gruesome destruction [[Jeremiah 15:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5498}}` is concentrated in its depiction of divine retribution and its consequences.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The word is a tool in the language of the prophets, particularly Jeremiah, to paint a vivid picture of the consequences of disobedience. God's judgment is not passive but an active, forceful removal and tearing apart of the unfaithful [[Jeremiah 15:3]].
* **Symbol of Utter Humiliation:** To be "drawn" or "torn" is to be stripped of all dignity and control. The imagery of being dragged like a carcass or pulled from one's home by a weak force illustrates a state of profound dishonor and helplessness before a higher power ([[Jeremiah 22:19]], [[Jeremiah 49:20]]).
* **Irresistible Force:** Whether used literally for a military siege or prophetically for the fall of nations, `{{H5498}}` signifies an overpowering and inescapable action that brings about a decreed end ([[2 Samuel 17:13]], [[Jeremiah 50:45]]).
### Summary
In summary, while infrequent, `{{H5498}}` is a potent verb in the Hebrew scriptures. It is more than just "to pull" or "to drag"; it is a word of finality and force. It consistently illustrates themes of judgment, conquest, and humiliation, demonstrating how a physical action can serve as a powerful metaphor for the inescapable and severe consequences of defying God.
TRV