### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective עָיֵף (ʻâyêph, `{{H5889}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָיֵף (ʻāyēph), meaning "to be weary," "to faint," or "to be exhausted." As an adjective, H5889 primarily denotes a state of profound physical exhaustion, weariness, or languor. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Physical Exhaustion:** This is the most prevalent meaning, describing individuals or groups who are physically spent due to strenuous activity, long journeys, or lack of rest.
* **Thirst:** The definition explicitly includes "thirsty," indicating that extreme physical weariness can be directly caused by or accompanied by dehydration. This highlights a specific and intense form of physical depletion.
* **Faintness/Weakness:** Implies a state where one's strength has given out, leading to a feeling of faintness, weakness, or an inability to continue.
* **Internal/Spiritual Weariness:** While primarily physical, at least one instance ([[Jeremiah 31:25]]) applies the term to the "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ), suggesting a weariness that is not solely physical but extends to one's inner being, potentially encompassing spiritual or emotional exhaustion.
Overall, H5889 conveys a deep, debilitating weariness that impacts one's physical capacity and, in some contexts, one's inner vitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עָיֵף (ʻâyêph, `{{H5889}}`) appears in several significant contexts within the Old Testament, each illustrating its core meaning:
* **[[Genesis 25:29]]**: Esau returns from the field "faint" (עָיֵף). This describes his extreme hunger and physical exhaustion, which leads him to impulsively sell his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew. The context underscores the desperate nature of his physical need.
* **[[Judges 8:4]]**: Gideon and his 300 men are described as "faint, yet pursuing" (עָיֵף וְרֹדֵף). This powerful phrase depicts their severe physical exhaustion from continuous pursuit and battle, yet it is contrasted with their unwavering resolve and determination to complete their mission.
* **[[Judges 8:5]]**: Gideon requests sustenance for his "faint" (עָיֵף) men from the people of Succoth, reiterating their dire need for food due to their depleted state.
* **[[Judges 8:10]]**: The Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna are described as "faint" (עָיֵף) and without protection, implying their exhaustion contributed to their vulnerability and eventual capture by Gideon.
* **[[2 Samuel 16:14]]**: David and all the people with him arrive at the Jordan "weary" (עָיֵף) during their flight from Absalom. This highlights the physical and emotional toll of their arduous journey and the distress of their circumstances.
* **[[Jeremiah 31:25]]**: "For I have satiated the weary soul (נֶפֶשׁ עֲיֵפָה), and every languishing soul I have replenished." This is a unique and profound usage, applying עָיֵף to the "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ). It suggests a weariness that is not merely physical but deeply internal, perhaps spiritual or emotional, which God promises to refresh and restore.
* **[[Isaiah 29:8]]**: This verse uses עָיֵף to describe a hungry and thirsty man who dreams of eating and drinking but wakes up still "faint" (עָיֵף) and thirsty. This vividly portrays the enduring and profound nature of this physical state when fundamental needs remain unmet.
Across these occurrences, H5889 consistently points to a state of severe physical depletion, often resulting from lack of food, water, or rest, and sometimes exacerbated by strenuous activity or distress. The instance in [[Jeremiah 31:25]] expands its scope to encompass a deeper, internal weariness.
### Related Words & Concepts
H5889 (ʻâyêph) belongs to a semantic field related to human weakness, exhaustion, and need, often contrasting with divine strength and provision.
* **Verbal Root עָיֵף (ʻāyēph)**: The verb from which the adjective H5889 is derived, meaning "to be weary," "to faint," or "to be exhausted." This direct etymological link underscores the core meaning.
* **`{{H3291}}` (ya'ef)**: Another adjective from the same root, often translated as "weary" or "faint." It is largely synonymous with H5889, appearing in similar contexts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 25:18]] describes the "faint and weary" (עָיֵף וְיָגֵעַ) among the Israelites).
* **`{{H3021}}` (yāgaʿ)**: A very common verb meaning "to toil," "to labor," "to grow weary." The noun form `{{H3023}}` (yāgēaʿ) means "weary." This word often describes weariness resulting from strenuous effort or arduous work, sometimes with a sense of futility. While H5889 emphasizes the *state* of being weary, `{{H3021}}` often highlights the *process* or *cause* of becoming weary. [[Isaiah 40:28]] contrasts God, who "does not faint (`{{H3291}}`) or grow weary (`{{H3021}}`)", with human frailty.
* **`{{H5234}}` (nāpash)**: To "refresh oneself," often from weariness or toil, as seen in the Sabbath command in [[Exodus 23:12]]. This word represents the antithesis of the state described by H5889, emphasizing the divine provision for rest and renewal.
* **`{{H3588}}` (kāḥash)**: To "become lean," "wasted," or "exhausted." Shares a semantic overlap in describing physical depletion.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of human vulnerability and the pervasive need for rest, sustenance, and divine intervention. While H5889 focuses on a profound state of physical and sometimes internal exhaustion, other terms broaden the scope to include general toil, sickness, and the essential need for refreshment.
### Theological Significance
The word עָיֵף (ʻâyêph, `{{H5889}}`) carries profound theological implications, particularly in its portrayal of human frailty and God's compassionate response.
1. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The consistent use of H5889 to describe individuals or groups who are physically exhausted, hungry, or thirsty underscores the inherent limitations of human beings. It serves as a stark reminder that humanity is not self-sufficient but utterly dependent on external provisions and divine sustenance. Esau's desperate state of being עָיֵף leads him to devalue his birthright, illustrating how profound physical need can expose core human vulnerabilities and influence critical decisions.
2. **The Unwearying Nature of God:** In stark contrast to human עָיֵף, God is never weary. [[Isaiah 40:28]] declares, "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint (`{{H3291}}`) or grow weary (`{{H3021}}`)." This profound theological statement highlights God's infinite strength, enduring power, and unwavering commitment. It serves as a source of comfort and trust, knowing that the divine helper is never exhausted.
3. **God's Compassion and Provision for the Weary:** A central theological message related to עָיֵף is God's active compassion for the exhausted. [[Jeremiah 31:25]] is particularly poignant: "For I have satiated the weary soul, and every languishing soul I have replenished." This verse presents God as the ultimate source of refreshment and renewal for those who are spent, both physically and inwardly. It speaks to God's restorative justice and covenant faithfulness to His people, promising an end to their weariness and sorrow. This divine promise of replenishment underscores God's character as a loving provider who attends to the deepest needs of His creation.
4. **Faith and Perseverance in Weakness:** The example of Gideon's men, "faint, yet pursuing" (עָיֵף וְרֹדֵף) in [[Judges 8:4]], offers a powerful theological lesson. It demonstrates that divine purpose and unwavering faith can empower individuals to press on even in states of extreme physical exhaustion. Their weariness did not halt their obedience or their mission, but rather highlighted the supernatural strength that enabled them to continue. This foreshadows New Testament themes of divine strength being perfected in human weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]).
In essence, H5889 paints a vivid picture of human limitation and need, which serves to magnify the boundless strength, unwavering nature, and compassionate provision of Yahweh, who never wearies and actively refreshes the weary soul.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective עָיֵף (ʻâyêph, `{{H5889}}`) precisely describes a state of profound physical exhaustion, weariness, or languor, often directly linked to hunger, thirst, or arduous exertion. Its semantic range emphasizes a deep physiological depletion, though [[Jeremiah 31:25]] uniquely extends this to the "weary soul," suggesting an internal or spiritual dimension of exhaustion. Biblical occurrences consistently depict individuals or groups in desperate need of sustenance or rest, such as Esau in [[Genesis 25:29]] or David's company in [[2 Samuel 16:14]]. The powerful image of Gideon's men, "faint, yet pursuing" in [[Judges 8:4]], illustrates remarkable perseverance despite extreme fatigue. Theologically, ʻâyêph highlights fundamental human vulnerability and dependence on God's provision. It stands in stark contrast to the unwearying nature of God ([[Isaiah 40:28]]) and magnifies His compassion as the one who "satiates the weary soul" ([[Jeremiah 31:25]]), offering ultimate refreshment and renewal to those who are spent. The word thus serves as a poignant reminder of both human limitation and divine grace.
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