### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâbêl**, represented by `{{H57}}`, defines the state of **lamenting** and is used for a **mourner** or the act of **mourning**. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses, consistently describing a condition of active grief and sorrow. This term captures the personal and corporate experience of loss, affliction, and desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H57}}` is used to portray profound grief. Jacob, believing his son Joseph is dead, resolves to "go down into the grave unto my son **mourning**" [[Genesis 37:35]]. The word also personifies national sorrow, as "The ways of Zion do **mourn**" due to desolation [[Lamentations 1:4]]. In prophecy, those who are **mourning** become the specific focus of God's comfort and restoration. The LORD promises to comfort all that **mourn** [[Isaiah 61:2]] and restore comforts to "his **mourners**" [[Isaiah 57:18]]. The term also depicts personal sorrow in response to betrayal [[Psalms 35:14]] and shame, as when Haman returns to his house **mourning** [[Esther 6:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the experience of grief:
* `{{H60}}` **ʼêbel** (lamentation; mourning): From the same root as `{{H57}}`, this word refers to the state or period of mourning itself. God promises to give the "oil of joy for **mourning**" to those who are currently in a state of mourning [[Isaiah 61:3]].
* `{{H5162}}` **nâcham** (to pity, console or... rue): This word for providing comfort is often set in contrast to mourning. Jacob refused to **be comforted** `{{H5162}}` while **mourning** `{{H57}}` his son [[Genesis 37:35]], whereas Isaiah prophesies that God will **comfort** `{{H5162}}` all that mourn.
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep;... mourn): This describes the physical expression of grief. In the account of Jacob's sorrow, he is said to be **mourning** `{{H57}}`, and the narrative adds that his father **wept** `{{H1058}}` for him [[Genesis 37:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H57}}` is significant, highlighting God's relationship with human suffering.
* **A Valid Response to Loss:** Mourning is shown as a deep and legitimate response to tragedy, whether personal, like Jacob's grief [[Genesis 37:35]], or corporate, as with the desolation of Zion [[Lamentations 1:4]].
* **The Object of Divine Restoration:** Those who are **mourning** are singled out as recipients of God's promised comfort. The mission proclaimed in Isaiah includes comforting all that **mourn** [[Isaiah 61:2]] and restoring comforts specifically to His **mourners** [[Isaiah 57:18]].
* **A Precursor to Glory:** The state of being a **mourner** `{{H57}}` is not a final state in God's economy. It is the condition that precedes a divine exchange, where God appoints "beauty for ashes" and joy for mourning, so that they might be called "trees of righteousness" for His glory [[Isaiah 61:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H57}}` **ʼâbêl** is a focused term that signifies the person or entity actively engaged in lament. It moves from depicting the depths of human sorrow in figures like Jacob to personifying the grief of an entire nation. Ultimately, the scriptures use the state of the **mourner** to frame one of God's most profound promises: to meet His people in their suffering, offer them comfort, and transform their lamentation into joy.
TRV