from עָצַב; a idol; also, a pain or wound; sorrow, wound.
Transliteration:ʻatstsebeth
Pronunciation:ats-tseh'-beth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H6094}}` (ʻatstsebeth) is derived from the verbal root `{{H6087}}` (atsab), which carries the core meaning of "to grieve," "to pain," "to vex," or "to hurt." As a noun, ʻatstsebeth primarily denotes "sorrow" or "pain," reflecting a state of physical or emotional suffering. Its semantic range, as indicated by its base definition, also extends to "wound" and, notably, "idol."
The connection between "pain/sorrow" and "idol" is profound. While the direct occurrences of `{{H6094}}` lean towards "sorrow," the broader family of words from the root `{{H6087}}` (e.g., `{{H6093}}` etsev) frequently includes "idol" among its meanings. This suggests that an "idol" can be understood as something that causes pain or grief (perhaps to God, or to humanity through its deceptive nature), or something that is the product of painful toil, or even a "grievous thing" that provokes divine displeasure and brings about suffering. Thus, ʻatstsebeth encapsulates both the internal experience of grief and the external object or circumstance that might cause such affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific lemma `{{H6094}}` (ʻatstsebeth) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a singular, yet highly significant, context:
* **[[Isaiah 14:3]]**: "And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow (ʻatstsebeth), and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve."
In this prophetic passage, ʻatstsebeth refers to the deep "sorrow" or "pain" experienced by the people of Israel due to their harsh and oppressive bondage under the Babylonians. The context is one of divine promise: God will grant His people deliverance and rest from this grievous suffering. The ʻatstsebeth here is a direct consequence of tyrannical rule and forced servitude, highlighting the physical and emotional toll exacted by their oppressors. The promised rest signifies an end to this specific form of pain and the fear associated with it. While the "idol" meaning is not explicitly present in this verse, the broader concept of the suffering caused by unrighteous powers (which often involved idolatry) is implicitly linked.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6094}}` is part of a semantic family derived from the root `{{H6087}}` (atsab), which means "to grieve," "to pain," or "to displease." Other significant cognates include:
* **`{{H6093}}` (etsev):** This noun is very closely related and often translated as "pain," "sorrow," "toil," or "labor." Crucially, `{{H6093}}` also distinctly means "idol" (e.g., [[Psalm 139:24]], where "way of grief" or "way of idols" is debated, and [[Isaiah 48:5]] where it clearly refers to idols). This cognate strengthens the possibility of the "idol" meaning for ʻatstsebeth within the broader lexical field, even if not explicitly demonstrated in its sole occurrence. The shared root suggests that idols are things that cause pain, are made with painful toil, or are themselves grievous to God.
* **`{{H6089}}` (ʻitsavon):** Another noun from the same root, typically translated as "pain," "sorrow," or "toil." It notably appears in [[Genesis 3:17]], where Adam is told he will eat from the ground "in toil (ʻitsavon)" all the days of his life, linking pain and labor directly to the consequences of the Fall.
* **`{{H6087}}` (atsab - verb):** The root verb itself, meaning "to grieve," "to hurt," "to vex." It can describe God being grieved ([[Genesis 6:6]], [[Psalm 78:40]]) or humans being grieved ([[1 Samuel 20:34]]).
These related terms underscore the pervasive biblical theme of pain and sorrow as a result of sin, human fallenness, and oppression, with a significant connection to the futility and spiritual danger of idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6094}}` ʻatstsebeth is multifaceted:
1. **The Reality of Human Suffering:** ʻatstsebeth unequivocally points to the profound reality of pain and sorrow in the human experience. In [[Isaiah 14:3]], it is not an abstract concept but the lived agony of a people under oppressive bondage. This highlights a biblical understanding of suffering as a tangible, often excruciating, part of life in a fallen world.
2. **Divine Compassion and Deliverance:** Despite the prevalence of ʻatstsebeth, the passage in Isaiah offers a powerful message of hope. God is not indifferent to the ʻatstsebeth of His people. He sees their pain and promises divine intervention and rest. This underscores God's character as a compassionate deliverer who actively works to alleviate the suffering of His elect.
3. **The Consequence of Sin and Idolatry:** While `{{H6094}}` directly denotes the pain of oppression, the broader semantic field of atsab words links suffering to both the consequences of the Fall ([[Genesis 3:16]], [[Genesis 3:17]]) and the spiritual barrenness of idolatry. If the "idol" meaning is considered, then ʻatstsebeth can also represent the deep, often self-inflicted, pain that results from turning away from the true God to worthless idols. Idolatry is not merely a theological error but a source of profound spiritual and existential ʻatstsebeth.
### Summary
`{{H6094}}` ʻatstsebeth is a Hebrew noun primarily denoting "sorrow" or "pain," derived from the root `{{H6087}}` (atsab), "to grieve." Its singular occurrence in [[Isaiah 14:3]] powerfully describes the intense suffering and oppression from which God promises to deliver His people. While its direct biblical usage emphasizes "sorrow," its broader semantic range, particularly through the closely related `{{H6093}}` (etsev), includes "idol," suggesting that idols are things that cause pain, are made with painful toil, or are themselves grievous in God's sight. Theologically, ʻatstsebeth highlights the reality of human suffering, God's compassionate response to it, and the underlying connection between pain, sin, and the futility of idolatry. It ultimately points to the divine promise of rest and liberation from all forms of ʻatstsebeth.
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