### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5502}}` (sâchaph) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to scrape off" or "to sweep away." It denotes a forceful, thorough action of removal, often implying a complete clearing or emptying. The underlying imagery is one of a surface being completely divested of its contents or coverings. This suggests an action that is not merely superficial but aims to leave nothing behind, whether it be dust, debris, or the very essence of what was present. The semantic range thus extends from a literal act of sweeping or scraping to a metaphorical representation of total destruction, desolation, or purification through removal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5502}}` appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in contexts of profound divine judgment and absolute destruction, underscoring its potent and severe implications.
1. **[[2 Kings 21:13]]**: "And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down." Here, `{{H5502}}` is translated as "wipe" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "sweep" (NIV). The context is God's pronouncement of judgment against Jerusalem due to the idolatry and wickedness of King Manasseh. The metaphor of wiping a dish clean and turning it upside down vividly portrays a complete emptying and thorough cleansing, implying the removal of its inhabitants and all that constituted its defilement. The comparison to Samaria and the house of Ahab, which had already faced divine wrath and destruction, emphasizes the irreversible and comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. It is a judgment that leaves nothing remaining, akin to a dish that has been thoroughly scoured and inverted to ensure no trace of its previous contents remains.
2. **[[Ezekiel 26:4]]**: "They will destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; and I will scrape her dust from her and make her a bare rock." In this prophetic oracle against the city of Tyre, `{{H5502}}` is rendered as "scrape" (ESV, NASB) or "sweep" (KJV). The imagery here is even more stark, depicting the total desolation of a mighty city. To "scrape her dust from her" signifies not merely the destruction of its structures but the removal of the very ground upon which it stood, reducing it to its bare, uncultivated rock foundation. This speaks to an absolute obliteration, where even the accumulated dust and debris, which might suggest a past existence, are removed, leaving no trace of its former glory or habitation. It is a divine act of leaving the city utterly barren and uninhabitable.
In both instances, `{{H5502}}` conveys a sense of divine action that is decisive, comprehensive, and irreversible, leading to complete desolation or purification through destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of forceful removal or destruction conveyed by `{{H5502}}` resonates with several other Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H7760}}` (shâmad)**: "to destroy, annihilate, exterminate." While `{{H5502}}` focuses on the *action* of sweeping or scraping away, `{{H7760}}` describes the *result* of complete destruction or annihilation, often used in the context of divine judgment against nations or peoples.
* **`{{H6209}}` (ʿârâh)**: "to lay bare, make naked, empty out." This word shares a conceptual link with `{{H5502}}` in the sense of emptying or exposing something completely, as seen in the "wiping a dish" metaphor.
* **`{{H2717}}` (ḥârab)**: "to be dry, desolate, waste." This term describes the state of desolation or ruin that results from the kind of destructive action implied by `{{H5502}}`.
* **`{{H5493}}` (sûph)**: "to come to an end, cease, perish." While broader, it captures the finality inherent in the "sweeping away" action of `{{H5502}}`.
Thematically, `{{H5502}}` is connected to concepts of divine judgment, purification, desolation, and the absolute sovereignty of God in executing His will.
### Theological Significance
Despite its rare occurrence, the theological significance of `{{H5502}}` is profound, as it illuminates the nature of God's judgment and His absolute power.
1. **Thoroughness of Divine Judgment**: The imagery of "wiping a dish clean" and "scraping dust from a rock" emphasizes the comprehensive and unsparing nature of God's judgment. It signifies that when God acts in judgment, He does so completely, leaving no remnant of the sin or the entity that has incurred His wrath. This is not a partial or temporary measure but a definitive and exhaustive act.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Control**: The use of `{{H5502}}` highlights God's absolute control over the fate of nations and cities. He is depicted as the one who actively "sweeps away" or "scrapes off," demonstrating His power to bring about desolation and fulfill His prophetic declarations.
3. **Purification through Destruction**: In the context of Jerusalem, the "wiping" can be seen not merely as destruction but as a severe form of purification. Just as a dirty dish is scoured clean, so too is Jerusalem purged of its defilement, even if the process is devastating. This implies that divine judgment, while destructive, ultimately serves God's holy purposes of cleansing and establishing righteousness.
4. **Warning against Rebellion**: The use of this powerful verb serves as a stark warning to those who persist in rebellion and idolatry. It underscores the ultimate consequences of turning away from God, signaling that His patience has limits and His judgment is sure and complete.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5502}}` (sâchaph) is a primitive root meaning "to scrape off" or "to sweep away." Though appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences in [[2 Kings 21:13]] and [[Ezekiel 26:4]] are highly significant. In both instances, it depicts a forceful, comprehensive, and irreversible act of divine judgment leading to utter desolation or thorough purification. The imagery of "wiping a dish clean" and "scraping dust from a rock" powerfully conveys the absolute nature of God's actions, demonstrating His sovereignty, the thoroughness of His judgment, and the dire consequences of persistent sin and rebellion. It speaks to a divine act that leaves nothing behind, bringing about complete eradication or a radical cleansing.
TRV