### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pûwqâh**, represented by `{{H6330}}`, is defined as **a stumbling-block; grief**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular usage provides a focused and powerful illustration of a burden on the conscience that stems from a wrongful act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6330}}` is in [[1 Samuel 25:31]], during Abigail's plea to David to prevent him from taking vengeance. She wisely counsels that if he refrains from shedding blood without reason, this restraint will prevent future **grief** `{{H6330}}` and an "offence of heart" `{{H4383}}` for him. In this context, the word signifies a deep, lasting regret or moral stumbling that would result from acting rashly and unjustly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H6330}}` is clarified by several words used alongside it in its only biblical context:
* `{{H4383}}` **mikshôwl** (offence): Defined as "a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively," this word is used in direct parallel to `pûwqâh`. It shows that the "grief" is not merely sadness but a moral obstacle that causes one to fall [[1 Samuel 25:31]].
* `{{H2600}}` **chinnâm** (causeless): This term, meaning "without a cause... for nothing," describes the nature of the bloodshed David was contemplating. The resulting `grief` is specifically tied to the injustice of the act [[1 Samuel 25:31]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (avenged): In this passage, the word describes the action of David avenging himself. While its root means to be free or to save, here it highlights an act of self-vindication that would lead directly to the "grief" and "stumbling-block" of a burdened conscience [[1 Samuel 25:31]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (heart): The grief and stumbling-block are explicitly located in the **heart**, the center of a person's feelings and will. This emphasizes the internal, personal nature of the consequence [[1 Samuel 25:31]].
### Theological Significance
Despite its single use, the theological weight of `{{H6330}}` is significant. It illustrates key principles regarding conscience and divine justice.
* **A Burden of Conscience:** `Pûwqâh` represents the internal spiritual and emotional consequence of sin. Paired with "offence of heart" `{{H4383}}`, it describes a lasting moral injury that weighs upon the will and feelings [[1 Samuel 25:31]].
* **The Consequence of Injustice:** The word is directly linked to the act of shedding **blood** `{{H1818}}` **causeless** `{{H2600}}`. This establishes a clear theological connection between unjust violence and the resulting internal "grief" or "stumbling-block."
* **Vengeance vs. Divine Trust:** The context warns against personal vengeance. David taking matters into his own hands by having "avenged himself" `{{H3467}}` would have created this internal stumbling-block. This highlights the spiritual danger of usurping God's role as the ultimate judge.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6330}}` `pûwqâh` is a highly specific term that, in its one appearance, powerfully defines a unique type of consequence. It is not simple sadness, but a profound **grief** that acts as a **stumbling-block** to the heart. Born from rash and unjust actions, like shedding blood without cause, it stands as a biblical marker for the internal moral burden carried by those who choose personal vengeance over reliance on God's timing and justice.
TRV