### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêbel**, represented by `{{H60}}`, signifies **lamentation** and **mourning**. Derived from the word אָבַל, it appears **24 times** across **22 unique verses**. The term is used to describe a range of sorrowful experiences, from the personal grief of losing a family member to the collective anguish of a nation under judgment or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H60}}` appears in several distinct situations. It is used to mark a period of personal grief, such as when Esau awaited the end of the "days of **mourning** for my father" before acting against Jacob [[Genesis 27:41]]. It also describes formal periods of lamentation, as when the sons of Israel conducted a "grievous **mourning**" for their father that lasted seven days [[Genesis 50:10-11]]. Prophetically, God warns that He will turn joyous feasts into **mourning** [[Amos 8:10]] and commands the people to make a **mourning** with ashes and sackcloth [[Jeremiah 6:26]]. Conversely, in Ecclesiastes, wisdom is associated with the "house of **mourning**" over the "house of feasting" [[Ecclesiastes 7:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of grief and lamentation in scripture:
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep): This primitive root describes the act of weeping or bemoaning. It is used to describe the weeping of the children of Israel for Moses, which was part of their period of **mourning** [[Deuteronomy 34:8]].
* `{{H8242}}` **saq** (sackcloth): This coarse cloth was a primary external symbol of grief. Prophets often call for people to gird themselves with **sackcloth** in acts of repentance and **mourning** ([[Jeremiah 6:26]], [[Amos 8:10]]).
* `{{H4553}}` **miçpêd** (a lamentation): This term, often used alongside `{{H60}}`, denotes a wailing or lamentation. For example, Jeremiah calls for a **mourning** `{{H60}}` accompanied by a "most bitter **lamentation**" `{{H4553}}` [[Jeremiah 6:26]].
* `{{H5092}}` **nᵉhîy** (an elegy): This word refers to an elegy or wailing. Amos speaks of calling the husbandman to **mourning** `{{H60}}` and professional mourners who are skillful in **lamentation** `{{H5092}}` to wailing [[Amos 5:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H60}}` is primarily seen in its relationship with divine judgment and restoration.
* **Sign of Judgment:** **Mourning** is often presented as a consequence of sin or a divine judgment. God declares He will turn Israel's feasts and songs into **mourning** and lamentation [[Amos 8:10]]. Similarly, Job states that his harp is turned to **mourning** amid his suffering [[Job 30:31]].
* **Human Response to Loss:** The word captures the profound and appropriate human response to death and tragedy, such as the grief for a father [[Genesis 27:41]], a son [[2 Samuel 19:2]], or an entire community facing disaster [[Esther 4:3]].
* **A Temporary State:** Scripture repeatedly frames **mourning** as a condition that God will ultimately end. God promises to turn **mourning** into joy [[Jeremiah 31:13]], to give the "oil of joy for **mourning**" [[Isaiah 61:3]], and to ensure that the "days of thy **mourning** shall be ended" [[Isaiah 60:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H60}}` is a crucial term that encapsulates the biblical understanding of grief. It extends from the personal sorrow of an individual to the collective despair of a nation. While **mourning** is depicted as a painful reality and a consequence of judgment, it is ultimately portrayed as a temporary season that stands in contrast to the final state of joy and comfort promised by God.
TRV