The Hebrew word ʻâgam, represented by H5701, is a primitive root used to mean to be sad or grieve. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Its sole use describes a deep, internal sorrow of the soul in response to the suffering of others.
The single appearance of H5701 is in the book of Job, where Job defends his righteousness before his friends. In a rhetorical question, he asks, "was not my soul grieved for the poor?" Job 30:25. Here, the word describes a profound emotional state, a grieving of his soul (H5315) on behalf of those who are poor (H34) and in trouble (H7186). The word is paired directly with the act of weeping, showing it as the internal counterpart to an outward expression of sorrow.
The context of H5701 in Job 30:25 connects it with several other words that define the nature and cause of this grief:
- H1058 bâkâh (to weep; generally to bemoan): This is the external act paired with the internal feeling of ʻâgam. Job links them directly: "Did not I weep... was not my soul grieved?" Job 30:25.
- H7186 qâsheh (severe...sorrowful...in trouble): This word defines the cause of the sorrow. Job's grief is a response to seeing another "in trouble" Job 30:25, a state described as grievous or severe.
- H34 ʼebyôwn (destitute...needy, poor): This further specifies the object of righteous compassion. Job's soul is grieved specifically for the poor Job 30:25, a group the Lord promises to arise for Psalms 12:5.
The theological weight of H5701 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Righteous Empathy: The sole use of H5701 frames profound grief for others not as a weakness, but as a mark of righteous character. Job presents his grieved soul as evidence of his integrity, implying that being moved by the plight of the poor (H34) and those in trouble (H7186) is a godly trait Job 30:25.
- Internal State of Compassion: The word points to an inner reality of compassion. By locating the grief in the "soul" (H5315), scripture distinguishes it from mere outward performance. It is a deep, personal response to suffering, linked to knowing God, as seen when judging "the cause of the poor and needy" is equated with knowing the Lord Jeremiah 22:16.
- Sorrow for the Vulnerable: The focus of the grief is outward, directed at "the poor" and those "in trouble". This highlights a core biblical value of concern for the vulnerable, connecting an internal state of being grieved with the foundation of justice and righteousness.
In summary, H5701 ʻâgam is a rare but impactful word that means to grieve. Its single appearance in the Bible Job 30:25 is significant, defining a deep sorrow of the soul for the poor and afflicted. It is not a self-centered sadness, but an empathetic grief that is presented as a component of a righteous life. Through this one verse, ʻâgam powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that a just character is marked by a heartfelt, internal compassion for those who suffer.
TRV