### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâʻad**, represented by `{{H5582}}`, is a primitive root used to describe support, which is mostly figurative. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meanings include to **comfort**, **establish**, **hold up**, **refresh self**, **strengthen**, and **be upholden**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5582}}` conveys support in both physical and spiritual contexts. It is used literally when describing hospitality, such as Abraham offering to **comfort** his guests with a morsel of bread [[Genesis 18:5]] or a father urging his son-in-law to **comfort** his heart with bread before a journey [[Judges 19:5]]. The word also depicts God's direct intervention and support. When the psalmist's foot slips, he declares that the LORD's mercy **held him up** [[Psalms 94:18]]. In a royal context, it is used prophetically to describe the establishment of David's kingdom with judgment and justice [[Isaiah 9:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of support and sustenance:
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (food... especially bread): This word is often the physical agent of strengthening. In Psalms, it is **bread** which is said to **strengthen** man's heart [[Psalms 104:15]].
* `{{H2617}}` **chêçêd** (kindness... mercy): This term often describes the motivation behind God's support. A king's throne is **upholden** by **mercy** [[Proverbs 20:28]], and it is God's **mercy** that holds up the psalmist [[Psalms 94:18]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to be safe... to free or succor): This word describes the result of being held up by God. The psalmist cries out, "Hold thou me up, and I shall **be safe**" [[Psalms 119:117]].
### Theological Significance
The theological concepts associated with `{{H5582}}` are centered on God as the ultimate sustainer.
* **Divine Upholding:** The word is frequently used to portray God's active support in a person's life. His **mercy** `{{H2617}}` holds believers up when they falter [[Psalms 94:18]], and His **right hand** `{{H3225}}` provides stability [[Psalms 18:35]].
* **Physical and Spiritual Sustenance:** While it can refer to physical refreshment through **bread** `{{H3899}}` [[Genesis 18:5]], it is primarily used to describe the strengthening of the **heart** `{{H3824}}`, representing the inner person [[Psalms 104:15]]. God also strengthens the sick on their **bed** `{{H6210}}` of languishing [[Psalms 41:3]].
* **Establishment of Righteous Rule:** God’s support extends to his divine plans for governance. He promises to **establish** the throne of David with **judgment** `{{H4941}}` and **justice** `{{H6666}}` [[Isaiah 9:7]], demonstrating that righteous authority is ultimately upheld by Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5582}}` illustrates a progression from the tangible act of providing comfort with food to the profound truth of God’s sustaining power. It is a word that captures the essence of divine support, whether for an individual in distress, a person in need of strength, or an everlasting kingdom being established in righteousness. It shows that both physical refreshment and spiritual stability find their source in a supportive God.
TRV