from an unused root probably meaning to pierce; (figuratively) misfortune; destruction, ruin.
Transliteration:pîyd
Pronunciation:peed
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּיד (pîyd), Strong's number `{{H6365}}`, denotes a state of profound misfortune, destruction, or ruin. Its etymological root is described as an "unused root probably meaning to pierce," which lends a vivid, almost violent, imagery to its core meaning. This suggests that the "misfortune" or "destruction" is not merely a passive state but an active, penetrating force, akin to a wound that deeply impacts one's well-being or existence. Figuratively, it encompasses a range of severe calamities, disasters, and overwhelming distress that can lead to utter desolation. It speaks to a deep and often sudden reversal of fortune, resulting in a state of profound adversity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פִּיד (pîyd) appears exclusively in the book of Job, which is highly significant for understanding its contextual nuance and theological weight. Its limited but poignant use underscores the intense suffering and theological debate central to Job's narrative.
* **[[Job 12:5]]**: "In the thought of him that is at ease there is contempt for misfortune (פִּיד), and a ready foot for those whose feet slip." Here, pîyd represents the dire state of the afflicted, viewed with disdain by those who are prosperous and secure. It highlights the chasm between the comfortable and those experiencing deep calamity.
* **[[Job 21:17]]**: "How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their misfortune (פִּיד) come upon them? Does God distribute pains in His anger?" In this verse, Job challenges the simplistic retribution theology of his friends by questioning the frequency with which the wicked truly experience such profound misfortune. The term pîyd here refers to a devastating consequence, often attributed to divine judgment.
* **[[Job 30:24]]**: "Surely against a ruin (פִּיד) one does not stretch out his hand if in his calamity there is help." Job laments his own desperate condition, implying that even in utter ruin, one should not be further assailed but rather offered assistance. This use emphasizes the complete and overwhelming nature of his personal devastation.
* **[[Job 30:28]]**: "I go about mourning, without the sun; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help concerning misfortune (פִּיד)." Here, pîyd encapsulates the entirety of Job's overwhelming distress and public lamentation. It represents the crushing burden of his suffering, compelling him to seek solace or understanding.
Across these occurrences, pîyd consistently denotes a severe, often inexplicable, state of calamity, ruin, or destruction. It is intrinsically linked to the experience of the afflicted and forms a cornerstone of Job's arguments against the conventional wisdom of his time regarding suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of pîyd resonates with several other Hebrew terms related to suffering, destruction, and adversity, though each carries its own specific nuance.
* `{{H7451}}` (ra'a'): A very broad term meaning "evil," "bad," "distress," or "misery." While pîyd is a specific form of misfortune, ra'a' can encompass a wider range of negative experiences, including moral evil.
* `{{H6869}}` (tsarah): Signifies "distress," "trouble," or "anguish." This word often describes a state of tightness or constriction, pointing to the personal and emotional impact of adversity, which aligns with the experience of pîyd.
* `{{H7722}}` (shod): Refers to "devastation," "destruction," or "violence." This term often emphasizes the act or result of violent destruction, whereas pîyd can describe the state of ruin itself, whether from violence or other causes.
* `{{H205}}` ('aven): Denotes "wickedness," "trouble," "sorrow," or "calamity." It often carries a connotation of iniquity leading to distress, a theological link that Job's friends attempt to draw with pîyd.
The etymological sense of "piercing" in pîyd sets it apart, suggesting a sudden, sharp, and deeply impactful form of calamity, akin to a wound that leaves lasting damage. It stands in stark contrast to concepts of peace (e.g., `{{H7965}}` *shalom*), blessing (e.g., `{{H1293}}` *bĕrakah*), and prosperity.
### Theological Significance
The exclusive appearance of פִּיד (pîyd) in the book of Job imbues it with profound theological significance. It becomes a key term in the exploration of human suffering, divine justice, and the problem of evil.
1. **The Mystery of Suffering**: Pîyd represents the inexplicable and overwhelming suffering that can befall the righteous. Job's experience challenges the simplistic "retribution theology" prevalent in his day, which posited that pîyd was always a direct consequence of sin. The book of Job, through this word, forces a deeper contemplation of why good people suffer profound misfortune.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Response**: While pîyd describes a state of utter ruin, it implicitly raises questions about God's role in allowing or orchestrating such calamity. Job's lamentations concerning his pîyd are not merely expressions of despair but also desperate pleas for divine understanding and vindication. It highlights the human struggle to reconcile a just and loving God with the harsh realities of profound adversity.
3. **The Limits of Human Wisdom**: The discussions in Job reveal the inadequacy of human wisdom, particularly that of Job's friends, to fully comprehend or explain pîyd. Their attempts to attribute Job's misfortune solely to his sin fall short, underscoring the limited perspective of humanity in the face of divine mysteries.
Thus, pîyd serves as a powerful descriptor for the depths of human despair and the theological questions that arise when life is overturned by seemingly arbitrary and devastating events.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פִּיד (pîyd), Strong's number `{{H6365}}`, precisely conveys the concept of profound misfortune, destruction, or ruin. Its etymological root, suggesting a "piercing" impact, emphasizes the severity and often sudden nature of such calamity. Found exclusively within the book of Job, pîyd is central to the narrative's exploration of inexplicable suffering, challenging the conventional wisdom that links all misfortune directly to sin. It encapsulates Job's overwhelming distress and the theological questions surrounding the righteous who experience utter ruin. The word compels a contemplation of human vulnerability, the limits of human understanding in the face of divine providence, and the profound lamentation that arises from deep adversity.
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