### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsâbâh**, represented by `{{H6638}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning related to amassing or growing turgid. It can refer to the physical act to **swell** or the military action to array an army to **fight**. This specific term appears only **3 times** in 3 unique verses, making its every use significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6638}}` illustrates two distinct forms of "swelling." The first is a physical affliction as part of a divine curse. In the law concerning a woman suspected of infidelity, the water of the curse is said to make her belly **swell** ([[Numbers 5:22]], [[Numbers 5:27]]). The second usage is metaphorical and military. When a multitude of nations comes against Ariel, they are described as those that **fight** against her, implying the amassing or "swelling" of an army [[Isaiah 29:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H6638}}` is found:
* `{{H6633}}` **tsâbâʼ** (to mass, fight): Sharing a root with `{{H6638}}`, this word is used in the same verse to describe the action of the nations that **fight** against Ariel [[Isaiah 29:7]]. It also refers to performing service at the tabernacle [[Numbers 4:23]].
* `{{H990}}` **beṭen** (belly, womb): This word is directly connected to the physical consequence described in the book of Numbers, as it is the **belly** that is made to swell as a sign of the curse [[Numbers 5:27]].
* `{{H423}}` **ʼâlâh** (curse): This term provides the reason for the swelling in Numbers. The woman's affliction is the physical manifestation of a **curse** from God, and she herself becomes a **curse** among her people [[Numbers 5:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6638}}` is tied to the concept of divine judgment.
* **Physical Manifestation of Judgment:** In Numbers, the word illustrates that God's judgment can be made physically manifest upon a person. The swelling is not a natural illness but a direct, visible sign resulting from a divine **curse** for a specific sin [[Numbers 5:27]].
* **Hostility Against God's People:** In Isaiah, the term is used to describe the "swelling" of hostile forces against Ariel. The **multitude** of nations that **fight** represents a significant threat, yet they are ultimately subject to God's sovereign power, who can render them as ineffective as a dream [[Isaiah 29:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6638}}` is a rare but potent word that conveys the idea of "swelling" in two powerful ways. It describes both the physical swelling of the body as a direct result of a divine curse and the military swelling of an army gathered for conflict. In both instances, the word appears in a context of judgment, highlighting God's authority over the individual body and the nations.
TRV