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.
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.
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.
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.
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