The Hebrew word ʻûwth, represented by H5790, carries the meaning to hasten, i.e. succor; speak in season. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a focused look at the concept of divinely-enabled, timely communication.
The sole appearance of H5790 is in Isaiah 50:4, where the speaker, endowed by God, describes the purpose of his learned tongue: "that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary". The context frames this act not as a mere conversation, but as a skilled and compassionate ministry of providing a timely word of succor. The ability to do so is presented as a direct gift from the Lord GOD.
The meaning of H5790 is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only biblical context:
- H3287 yâʻêph (weary): This word, defined as "fatigued; figuratively, exhausted; faint, weary," identifies the recipient of the timely speech. The purpose of the word spoken in season is to bring aid to the weary Isaiah 50:4.
- H3928 limmûwd (learned): Meaning "instructed; accustomed, disciple, learned, taught, used," this term describes the source of the effective speech. The ability to speak a timely word comes from having the "tongue of the learned" Isaiah 50:4.
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This primitive root means "to give." The verse establishes that the learned tongue is not self-acquired but is given by God Isaiah 50:4, emphasizing divine enablement.
- H5782 ʻûwr (to wake): This word means "to wake (literally or figuratively)." It is used twice in Isaiah 50:4 to describe how God wakeneth the speaker's ear, linking the ability to speak with the practice of listening.
The theological significance of H5790 is concentrated in its single appearance, revealing key principles of divine communication.
- A Gift for Service: The ability to speak a word in season is explicitly a gift given (H5414) by God. Its purpose is directed outward, to provide succor to the weary (H3287), framing Spirit-led speech as an act of ministry Isaiah 50:4.
- Hearing Precedes Speaking: The verse connects the gifted tongue to a wakened ear. The speaker whom God has equipped to speak is also one whose ear God wakeneth (H5782) "to hear (H8085) as the learned" (H3928). This establishes a divine pattern where effective ministry through speech is born from attentive listening to God Isaiah 50:4.
- Knowledge Applied with Compassion: The verse links knowledge with its proper application. The speaker has been equipped "that I should know (H3045) how to speak a word in season," demonstrating that divine wisdom is not for abstract knowledge alone, but for practical, compassionate intervention.
In summary, while H5790 is a rare word, its singular context in Isaiah 50:4 provides a profound model for ministry. It encapsulates the idea that timely, life-giving words are not a product of human cleverness but a divine gift. This gift is cultivated through a listening ear and is ultimately intended to bring succor and strength to those who are weary.
TRV