a primitive root; to gnaw, i.e. (figuratively) eat (by hyberbole); also (participle) a pain; fleeing, sinew.
Transliteration:ʻâraq
Pronunciation:aw-rak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6207 (ʻâraq) is a primitive root, presenting a challenging semantic range due to its extreme rarity in the Masoretic Text. Strong's Concordance suggests a primary sense of "to gnaw," which can be extended figuratively to "eat (by hyperbole)." Derived nominal or participial forms are associated with "pain," "fleeing," or "sinew." However, the *verbal* usage in the biblical corpus is singular, making its precise core meaning heavily reliant on that sole occurrence. The underlying concept seems to convey a forceful, internal, and destructive action, particularly relating to bodily affliction or decay.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6207 (ʻâraq) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making it a hapax legomenon. Its sole occurrence is found in the book of Job:
* [[Job 30:17]]: "By night my bones are gnawed away from me, and my sinews take no rest."
In this profound lament, Job describes the relentless and agonizing nature of his physical suffering. The verb ʻâraq is applied to his bones, conveying an intense, internal process of deterioration. The image is one of something actively consuming or piercing his very skeletal structure. English translations vary, attempting to capture the intensity: "gnawed away" (ESV), "pierced" (NIV, NASB), or "my sinews pain me" (KJV, which seems to interpret the verb in light of the parallel "sinews" clause, though the verb itself refers to the action upon the bones). The context of [[Job 30:17]] is Job's deep anguish, where he describes himself as consumed by disease, scorned by former acquaintances, and experiencing profound physical and spiritual torment. The use of ʻâraq here powerfully articulates the internal, persistent, and destructive nature of his affliction, as if his very being is being consumed from within.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence of H6207 (ʻâraq), direct lexical cognates within the biblical Hebrew canon are not readily apparent. However, its conceptual field connects it to other words describing intense physical suffering, decay, and internal affliction:
* Words for pain and suffering: `{{H3510}}` (*kā'ab*, "pain," "grief"); `{{H2478}}` (*ḥālāh*, "to be sick," "to be weak"); `{{H7489}}` (*ra'a'*, "to be evil," "to be afflicted").
* Words for wasting away or decay: `{{H1806}}` (*dalal*, "to hang down," "to waste away"); `{{H4549}}` (*mākak*, "to decay," "to waste away").
* The broader theme of physical torment and bodily dissolution, often depicted metaphorically in prophetic and wisdom literature to describe the consequences of sin or the depths of human misery.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H6207 in [[Job 30:17]] carries significant theological weight, primarily by contributing to the profound portrayal of suffering in the Book of Job. It serves as a stark descriptor of the physical dimension of Job's agony, emphasizing its relentless, internal, and debilitating nature. The image of bones being "gnawed away" or "pierced" speaks to a suffering that is not superficial but penetrates to the very core of one's being, dissolving strength and peace.
This word underscores the biblical realism concerning human vulnerability to disease and decay, even for the righteous. It highlights the mystery of suffering and Job's inability to comprehend the source or purpose of such intense, consuming pain. Theologically, ʻâraq in this context functions as a vivid testament to the depth of human brokenness in a fallen world, a world where even the body, fearfully and wonderfully made, can become a source of unimaginable torment. It is a word that echoes the cries of those who experience profound, inexplicable physical anguish, inviting contemplation on the nature of affliction and the sovereignty of God amidst it.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6207 (ʻâraq) is a rare and potent verb, appearing only once in the biblical text at [[Job 30:17]]. Its core meaning, derived from this singular context, describes an intense, internal, and destructive bodily affliction, akin to "gnawing" or "piercing." This vivid imagery powerfully conveys the relentless and debilitating nature of Job's physical suffering, illustrating how his very bones are consumed by pain. Though unique in its occurrence, ʻâraq contributes significantly to the Book of Job's profound exploration of human agony and the mystery of suffering, painting a stark picture of physical dissolution and internal torment.
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