### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĕnûwth**, represented by `{{H6039}}`, is a specific term for **affliction**. Derived from the root word ʻânâh, its meaning is focused entirely on this concept of suffering. According to usage statistics, it is a very rare word, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H6039}}` is in [[Psalms 22:24]], where it captures a pivotal statement about God's character. The verse states that God "hath not despised nor abhorred the **affliction** of the afflicted." In this context, **affliction** is presented not as a state that earns God's contempt, but as a condition that he acknowledges. The passage links this affliction to the cry of the sufferer, noting that when the afflicted one cried out to God, he was heard.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context illuminate the meaning of `{{H6039}}`:
* `{{H6041}}` **ʻânîy** (depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor): This word describes the person experiencing the affliction. It highlights a state of being lowly or in need, as seen when "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him" [[Psalms 34:6]].
* `{{H7768}}` **shâvaʻ** (to halloo (for help, i.e. freedom from some trouble); cry (aloud, out), shout): This is the action taken by the afflicted. It is a cry for help, which prompts a divine response, as in "I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me" [[Psalms 30:2]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.)): This is God's response. It is not merely hearing a sound but an intelligent, attentive listening that leads to action, as promised when God says, "thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am" [[Isaiah 58:9]].
* `{{H959}}` **bâzâh** (to disesteem; despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible)): This is what God does *not* do to the affliction. His refusal to despise the sufferer is a key theological point [[Psalms 22:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6039}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
* **God's Regard for the Suffering:** The central theme is that God does not turn away from affliction. He does not `despise` `{{H959}}` or `abhor` `{{H8262}}` the suffering of the lowly, a profound statement of his compassionate nature [[Psalms 22:24]].
* **The Connection Between Cry and Response:** The word exists in a sequence: the `afflicted` `{{H6041}}` endures `affliction` `{{H6039}}`, then `cries` `{{H7768}}` out, and God `hears` `{{H8085}}`. This establishes a pattern of divine attentiveness to the pleas of those in distress.
* **Affirmation of the Lowly:** By highlighting God's positive response to the "affliction of the afflicted," the term reinforces the biblical theme that God has special concern for the poor, humble, and needy.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʻĕnûwth** `{{H6039}}` is among the rarest of biblical words, its singular context in [[Psalms 22:24]] gives it significant meaning. It defines **affliction** as a condition that God does not scorn. Instead, it is a state from which a genuine cry for help is heard, framing a foundational understanding of a God who is attentive to the suffering of the afflicted and responsive to their cries.
TRV