The Hebrew word ʻatstsebeth, represented by H6094, is a term for sorrow, a pain, or a wound. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition, stemming from עָצַב, highlights a connection to deep affliction, encompassing both physical and emotional states of suffering.
In its scriptural usage, H6094 describes various forms of affliction. It is used literally to denote physical wounds which God "bindeth up" as part of His healing work Psalms 147:3. It also frequently refers to emotional anguish. The sorrows of those who "hasten after another god" are said to be multiplied Psalms 16:4. This inner pain is shown to have profound effects, as the "sorrow of the heart" can break the spirit Proverbs 15:13. Job expresses this deep distress when he says, "I am afraid of all my sorrows" Job 9:28, and Proverbs links it to the consequences of malicious behavior, stating that winking with the eye "causeth sorrow" Proverbs 10:10.
Several related words help clarify the context and impact of the pain described by H6094:
- H7495 râphâʼ (to heal): This term is set in direct contrast to the affliction of H6094. God is depicted as the one who healeth the brokenhearted, an action paired with binding up their "wounds" Psalms 147:3.
- H5218 nâkêʼ (broken): This word describes the outcome of the sorrow from H6094. The connection is made explicit in Proverbs 15:13, where the "sorrow of the heart" results in a broken spirit.
- H3820 lêb (heart): As the center of feelings and will, the heart is the primary subject of the pain of H6094. It is the "broken in heart" who are healed Psalms 147:3 and the "sorrow of the heart" that breaks the spirit Proverbs 15:13.
- H7235 râbâh (to increase): This verb is used to describe the consequence of turning away from God, whose followers will see their sorrows multiplied Psalms 16:4.
The theological weight of H6094 is significant, highlighting the nature of suffering and its remedy.
- Consequence of Folly and Idolatry: Sorrow is presented as a direct outcome of both malicious human action Proverbs 10:10 and spiritual unfaithfulness. The act of hastening after another god leads to multiplied sorrows Psalms 16:4.
- Profound Spiritual Impact: The pain of H6094 is not a superficial trouble. It is a "sorrow of the heart" with the power to crush a person's spirit Proverbs 15:13 and a burden so great that it is a source of fear Job 9:28.
- Object of Divine Restoration: Crucially, H6094 is presented as the very thing God acts upon to bring restoration. The psalmist declares that God "healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds" Psalms 147:3, identifying divine power as the answer to this deep pain.
In summary, H6094 is a multifaceted word that conveys the depth of both physical and emotional suffering. It illustrates that sorrow can stem from human evil and spiritual rebellion, leading to a broken spirit. More importantly, it frames this profound pain as the specific target of God's restorative and healing work, pointing to Him as the ultimate solution for the deepest wounds of the heart.
TRV