(Aramaic) corresponding to עָצַב; to afflict; lamentable.
Transliteration:ʻătsab
Pronunciation:ats-ab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H6088 (ʻătsab) is directly related to the more common Hebrew H6087 (ʻātsab), sharing a common root that conveys a sense of pain, grief, vexation, or affliction. Its primary meaning as a verb is "to afflict" or "to cause pain or grief." As an adjective or participle, it describes a state that is "lamentable" or "grievous," evoking deep sorrow or distress. The word encompasses both the act of causing suffering and the condition of being in suffering, whether emotional, mental, or physical. It can also subtly imply the toil or labor that leads to weariness and pain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, H6088 appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament. Its occurrences are limited but significant:
* **[[Daniel 6:19]]**: "Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the den of lions. When he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’" Here, H6088 is translated as "sore troubled" (KJV) or describes King Darius's "anguish" (ESV). The context reveals the king's profound personal distress and grief over Daniel's predicament, highlighting the intense emotional pain associated with the word.
* **[[Ezra 9:8]]**: "But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage." In this verse, H6088 is rendered as "bondage" (ESV) or "grievous" (KJV). The term here describes the lamentable state of the Israelites under foreign dominion, a condition of servitude and affliction. While a state of suffering, the verse also speaks of God's favor and the hope of revival, illustrating that even within a "lamentable" condition, divine grace can be present.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6088 is enriched by its strong connections to other Hebrew words from the same root:
* **H6087 (עָצַב, ʻātsab):** This is the direct Hebrew cognate, a verb meaning "to grieve, vex, pain, or toil." It is used extensively to describe human sorrow (e.g., [[1 Samuel 20:34]]), the pain of labor (e.g., [[Genesis 3:17]]), and notably, God's own grief over human sin (e.g., [[Genesis 6:6]]). The shared root emphasizes the deep connection between affliction, sorrow, and the arduousness of life in a fallen world.
* **H6089 (עֶצֶב, ʻetsev):** A masculine noun meaning "pain, sorrow, toil," and interestingly, "idol." The connection to idols might stem from the vexation or futility associated with their worship.
* **H6090 (עֲצָבָה, ʻatsabah):** A feminine noun, also meaning "pain, grief, or toil."
* **H6093 (עַצָּבוֹן, ʻatsabon):** A masculine noun, specifically referring to "pain, toil, or sorrow," most notably used in [[Genesis 3:17]] regarding the curse on the ground and the toil of Adam.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of a world marked by pain, sorrow, and burdensome labor, often as a consequence of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6088 is best understood in light of its broader lexical family. It contributes to the biblical understanding of suffering and its place within the divine economy.
In [[Daniel 6:19]], the king's "anguish" highlights the profound emotional capacity of humanity and the deep distress that can arise from perceived injustice or loss. It underscores the reality of human sorrow, even for those in positions of power.
In [[Ezra 9:8]], the "bondage" or "lamentable" state of the Israelites points to the consequences of sin and disobedience, where affliction becomes a lived reality. Yet, within this context, the passage also subtly introduces the theme of God's enduring favor and the promise of a remnant, suggesting that even in the midst of sorrow, divine grace and hope are present.
More broadly, through its connection to H6087 and other cognates, H6088 participates in the biblical narrative of a world marred by sin, where pain and toil are inherent realities ([[Genesis 3:17]]). Significantly, the root also describes God's own grief over humanity's rebellion ([[Genesis 6:6]]), imbuing the concept of "affliction" with profound theological depth. It reveals that sorrow is not solely a human experience but can be attributed to the divine in response to the moral state of creation. Thus, H6088 reminds us that while affliction is a tangible reality in the human experience, it is also observed and responded to by a compassionate God who ultimately offers deliverance and hope.
### Summary
H6088 (ʻătsab), an Aramaic term for "to afflict" or "lamentable," functions as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew H6087 (ʻātsab), sharing a core meaning of pain, grief, and distress. Though rare in the biblical text, its appearances in [[Daniel 6:19]] and [[Ezra 9:8]] powerfully illustrate both intense personal anguish and the collective "bondage" of a people. Theologically, H6088 contributes to the broader biblical narrative of a world marked by suffering and toil, often as a consequence of sin. However, it also subtly points to the presence of divine favor and hope even within lamentable circumstances, reminding us of God's engagement with the human condition and His ultimate promise of redemption from affliction.
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