### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עַשְׁתּוּת (ʻashtûwth, `{{H6248}}`) is derived from the root עָשַׁת (ʻashath), which conveys the idea of "to think," "to consider," or "to devise." Consequently, ʻashtûwth refers to the product or outcome of this mental activity: "thought," "cogitation," "deliberation," or "device." It implies an internal mental process that leads to a specific conclusion or plan. The word suggests a deliberate and perhaps deeply held mental construct, rather than a fleeting or superficial idea. Its semantic range points to the inner workings of the mind, particularly as they relate to judgment or disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻashtûwth (`{{H6248}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job: [[Job 12:5]]. The full verse reads: "לַעַשְׁתּוּת שַׁאֲנָן בּוּז לְפַחַד נָכוֹן לְמוּעֲדֵי רָגֶל" (laʻashtûwth shaʼanân bûz ləp̄aḥaḏ nāḵôn ləmûʻăḏê rāḡel).
In this context, Job is responding to the arguments of his friends, who attribute his suffering to his sin. The phrase "לַעַשְׁתּוּת שַׁאֲנָן" (laʻashtûwth shaʼanân) is crucial. שַׁאֲנָן (shaʼanân, `{{H7600}}`) denotes one who is "at ease," "secure," or "complacent." The verse speaks of the "thought" or "mind" of the complacent individual. Translations vary, but generally convey the idea that "one who is at ease holds contempt for misfortune" (NIV) or "A lamp despised in the thought of one at ease" (KJV).
Here, ʻashtûwth refers to the internal disposition or the considered judgment of the complacent. It describes a mindset characterized by disdain or indifference towards the suffering of others, particularly those who are on the verge of ruin ("whose feet slip"). The verse highlights a stark contrast between the unfeeling judgment of the secure and the precarious reality of the afflicted, exposing the moral bankruptcy of such "thought."
### Related Words & Concepts
While ʻashtûwth (`{{H6248}}`) is unique in its singular occurrence, its root and conceptual domain connect it to several other important Hebrew terms related to mental faculties and processes:
* **Root עָשַׁת**: The verbal root itself, meaning "to think" or "to consider," forms the direct conceptual basis.
* **מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashavah, `{{H4284}}`)**: A much more common and broader term for "thought," "plan," "device," or "purpose." While machashavah can encompass both good and evil intentions, ʻashtûwth in its single occurrence carries a distinct negative connotation due to its context.
* **לֵב (lev, `{{H3820}}`) / לֵבָב (levav, `{{H3824}}`)**: "Heart," often understood as the seat of intellect, will, and emotion in biblical anthropology. The "thoughts of the heart" (e.g., [[Genesis 6:5]]) are a frequent biblical theme, encompassing the full range of inner disposition.
* **דַּעַת (da'at, `{{H1847}}`)**: "Knowledge," "understanding," "discernment." This term relates to the cognitive capacity to apprehend and judge, which necessarily involves thought processes.
* **יֵצֶר (yetzer, `{{H3336}}`)**: "Form," "purpose," "inclination," often referring to the inclination or intent of the heart/mind (e.g., "the imagination of the thoughts of his heart" in [[Genesis 6:5]]).
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the biblical understanding of human internal life, where thoughts are not merely abstract ideas but potent forces shaping character and action.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ʻashtûwth (`{{H6248}}`) in [[Job 12:5]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a sharp indictment of the complacent mindset, revealing the nature of their "thought" or internal disposition. This thought is not one of empathy, compassion, or righteous judgment, but rather one of disdain and contempt for those who suffer.
Theologically, this verse underscores several critical points:
1. **The Moral Weight of Internal States:** It demonstrates that not only actions but also internal thoughts and attitudes (ʻashtûwth) are subject to divine scrutiny and carry moral culpability. The complacent person's "thought" is presented as morally flawed.
2. **Critique of Human Pride and Complacency:** The book of Job consistently challenges human wisdom and self-sufficiency. Here, ʻashtûwth highlights the danger of a mind that, from a position of ease, dismisses or scorns the plight of the vulnerable. This aligns with biblical warnings against pride and indifference to the poor and afflicted (e.g., [[Proverbs 14:31]], [[Amos 6:1-7]]).
3. **Contrast with Divine Wisdom:** In Job, human wisdom is repeatedly shown to be inadequate or misguided when compared to God's incomprehensible wisdom and justice. The "thought" of the complacent stands in stark contrast to the divine perspective, which cares for the oppressed.
4. **The Nature of True Compassion:** By describing the absence of compassion in the "thought" of the complacent, the verse implicitly points towards the necessity of a different kind of thought – one characterized by empathy, understanding, and solidarity with those who suffer, reflecting the heart of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַשְׁתּוּת (ʻashtûwth, `{{H6248}}`) signifies "thought" or "cogitation," specifically the product of mental deliberation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 12:5]] powerfully reveals the internal disposition of the "one at ease" – a thought characterized by contempt or disdain for the afflicted. This singular usage provides a potent critique of human complacency and highlights the moral weight of internal attitudes. Though rare, ʻashtûwth offers a profound insight into the nature of human indifference and serves as a theological reminder that even our deepest thoughts are significant in the eyes of God.
TRV