a variation of עֶצֶב; an idol (as fashioned); also pain (bodily or mental); idol, sorrow, [idiom] wicked.
Transliteration:ʻôtseb
Pronunciation:o'-tseb
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6090}}` (עֹצֶב, transliterated as ʻôtseb), is defined as a variation of `{{H6089}}` (עֶצֶב). Its semantic range encompasses two primary, yet interconnected, poles: "idol" (as something fashioned or carved) and "pain" (both bodily and mental), extending to "sorrow" and, idiomatically, "wickedness."
Etymologically, `{{H6090}}` derives from the root `{{H6087}}` (עָצַב), which carries the dual meaning of "to carve, fashion" and "to grieve, be pained." This dual aspect is critical to understanding `{{H6090}}`. An "idol" (עֹצֶב) is something fashioned by human hands, often associated with the pain and futility of false worship. Conversely, "pain" or "sorrow" (עֹצֶב) can be the result of physical affliction, emotional distress, or the moral burden of a "wicked" or "grievous" path. The connection lies in the inherent burden, futility, or negative consequence associated with both idolatry and human suffering/sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of `{{H6090}}` in the Hebrew Bible are notably sparse, making its single clear instance particularly significant for understanding its usage. The most prominent and widely accepted occurrence of `{{H6090}}` is found in:
* **[[Psalm 139:24]]**: "And see if there be any grievous way (דֶּרֶךְ־עֹצֶב) in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
In this profound prayer of introspection, the psalmist appeals to God to search his heart and discern any "grievous way" (דֶּרֶךְ־עֹצֶב). Here, עֹצֶב clearly signifies a path or conduct that causes pain, sorrow, or distress, not only to the individual but, more importantly, to God. It refers to a way that is morally wrong, burdensome, or leads to spiritual anguish, contrasting sharply with "the way everlasting" (דֶּרֶךְ עוֹלָם). This usage highlights the word's semantic connection to "pain," "sorrow," and "wickedness," aligning with the idiom mentioned in its base definition. While the definition for `{{H6090}}` includes "idol," its direct textual usage in [[Psalm 139:24]] leans heavily into the "pain/sorrow/wicked" aspect, suggesting a path that causes spiritual grief or is inherently burdensome due to sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6090}}` is part of a closely related family of words stemming from the same root `{{H6087}}` (עָצַב), which collectively illuminate its full semantic range:
* `{{H6087}}` (עָצַב - 'atsab): The verbal root, meaning "to grieve, be pained," but also "to labor, fashion, carve." This root forms the foundation for the dual meaning.
* `{{H6089}}` (עֶצֶב - 'etsev): A noun, explicitly noted as the base for `{{H6090}}`. It means "pain, sorrow, toil," and also "idol, image." This word appears more frequently (e.g., [[Genesis 3:17]] for "toil" of the ground; [[Proverbs 10:22]] for "sorrow" added to wealth).
* `{{H6091}}` (עָצָב - 'atsab): Another noun, specifically meaning "idol," often a carved image (e.g., [[Isaiah 48:5]]).
* `{{H6093}}` (עִצָּבוֹן - 'itstsabon): A noun meaning "pain, toil, sorrow," particularly associated with the curse in [[Genesis 3:16]] ("pain in childbearing").
These cognates demonstrate a consistent thematic link between the laborious act of fashioning (especially idols) and the resulting pain, sorrow, and spiritual distress. The "grievous way" of [[Psalm 139:24]] (`{{H6090}}`) is thus deeply connected to the toil of the Fall (`{{H6093}}`), the sorrow of human existence (`{{H6089}}`), and the futility of idolatry (`{{H6091}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6090}}` primarily emerges from its usage in [[Psalm 139:24]] and its broader semantic field.
1. **The Nature of Sin and Wickedness:** The phrase "grievous way" highlights sin not merely as a transgression of law, but as a path that inherently brings pain, sorrow, and spiritual burden. It is a way that is contrary to God's good design and leads to distress. This underscores the harmful, destructive nature of sin for both the individual and their relationship with the divine.
2. **Divine Scrutiny and Human Purity:** The psalmist's earnest prayer for God to search out any עֹצֶב within him reflects a profound desire for spiritual purity and alignment with God's will. It speaks to the believer's longing to be free from anything that grieves God or leads away from His "way everlasting." This emphasizes God's holiness and His desire for His people to walk in integrity.
3. **Idolatry as a Source of Pain:** While not explicit in [[Psalm 139:24]], the definitional range of `{{H6090}}` and its strong connection to `{{H6089}}` (עֶצֶב), which commonly refers to idols, links it to the theological concept that false worship is ultimately a source of pain and futility. Idols, though fashioned by human hands, are spiritually barren and lead their adherents away from the true source of life and blessing, resulting in spiritual sorrow and emptiness.
4. **Contrast with God's Blessing:** The "grievous way" stands in stark contrast to "the way everlasting," which is the path of life, truth, and righteousness. This juxtaposition implicitly speaks to God's desire to lead His people away from all sources of sorrow and into a life of enduring blessing and peace, free from the burdens of עֹצֶב.
### Summary
`{{H6090}}` (עֹצֶב) is a rare but significant Hebrew term, serving as a variation of `{{H6089}}` (עֶצֶב). Its core meaning oscillates between "idol" (something fashioned) and "pain, sorrow," extending to the idiomatic sense of "wickedness" or a "grievous" path. While its definitional breadth covers both idols and pain, its primary textual manifestation in [[Psalm 139:24]] powerfully conveys the idea of a "grievous way"—a path of sin or moral misalignment that brings spiritual distress and stands in opposition to God's eternal way. Through its connection to the root `{{H6087}}` and cognates like `{{H6089}}` and `{{H6093}}`, `{{H6090}}` illuminates the profound theological truth that both idolatry and sin are inherently burdensome, causing pain and alienation from the divine. The psalmist's plea to be freed from עֹצֶב underscores the believer's earnest desire for purity and alignment with the Holy God, who alone leads in the way of life and true peace.
TRV