### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term qîyqâlôwn (`{{H7022}}`) is derived from the root qalown (`{{H7036}}`), which signifies "disgrace," "dishonor," "shame," or "ignominy." The reduplicated form, qîyqâlôwn, functions as an intensification, conveying a profound and extreme degree of disgrace. The base definition "intense disgrace" accurately captures this heightened sense of shame. Furthermore, the accompanying definition "shameful spewing" suggests a repulsive, vomit-like quality to this disgrace, implying something utterly vile, defiling, and cast out. It is not merely embarrassment, but a state of public and utter contempt, akin to being vomited forth due to one's repugnance. This word thus denotes a level of degradation that is both absolute and inherently repulsive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qîyqâlôwn (`{{H7022}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Habakkuk:
* **[[Habakkuk 2:16]]**: "You are filled with shame instead of glory. Drink and stagger! The cup of the Lord's right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace [qîyqâlôwn] will cover your glory."
This verse is part of the prophet Habakkuk's "woe oracles" directed against the Chaldeans (Babylonians), specifically against their arrogant and oppressive behavior. The immediate context of [[Habakkuk 2:15-16]] describes the Chaldeans' sin of making others drunk to exploit and expose them. The divine judgment pronounced is a poetic reversal: just as they filled others with drink leading to their shame, so too will they be filled with the "cup of the Lord's right hand"—a metaphor for divine wrath and judgment. Their perceived "glory" (likely referring to their military might, conquests, and self-exaltation) will be utterly engulfed and replaced by qîyqâlôwn. The imagery of "shameful spewing" is particularly poignant here, echoing the physical act of vomiting often associated with extreme drunkenness, thereby symbolizing the ultimate degradation and public humiliation meted out by God. Their pride will be met with a repulsive, inescapable disgrace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relative of qîyqâlôwn (`{{H7022}}`) is its root:
* קָלוֹן (qalown, `{{H7036}}`): "disgrace, shame, dishonor." qîyqâlôwn functions as an intensified, perhaps even emphatic, form of this word, underscoring the extreme nature of the disgrace.
Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of shame or humiliation include:
* בֹּשֶׁת (boshet, `{{H1322}}`): "shame, confusion," often linked to idolatry, failure, or nakedness.
* חֶרְפָּה (cherpah, `{{H2781}}`): "reproach, scorn, disgrace," frequently involving public taunting or humiliation.
Conceptually, qîyqâlôwn is deeply intertwined with:
* **Divine Judgment:** It is a direct consequence of God's righteous wrath.
* **Reversal of Fortune:** The proud are brought low, their glory turned to ignominy.
* **Humiliation:** A public and profound abasement.
* **Defilement/Repulsiveness:** The "spewing" aspect highlights the utter impurity and revulsion associated with this state of disgrace.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of qîyqâlôwn (`{{H7022}}`) in [[Habakkuk 2:16]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the ultimate divine judgment against human pride, arrogance, and oppression.
1. **Severity of Divine Retribution:** Qîyqâlôwn illustrates the extreme nature of God's judgment. It is not merely a mild rebuke or a temporary setback, but a total and repulsive degradation that utterly consumes the perceived glory of the wicked. This term communicates the depth of God's displeasure with sin.
2. **Justice and Reversal:** The word highlights God's perfect justice. Those who exalt themselves and inflict shame upon others will, in turn, be subjected to a far greater and more repulsive shame by the hand of God. The "cup of the Lord's right hand" ensures a dramatic reversal of fortunes, demonstrating that no human power or glory can withstand divine judgment.
3. **Holiness and Purity:** The "shameful spewing" aspect of qîyqâlôwn speaks to God's absolute holiness. Just as something vile is expelled or vomited, so too does God's pure presence reject and cast out all that is corrupt, arrogant, and oppressive. Sin, particularly pride and injustice, is depicted as utterly repugnant in His sight, warranting complete expulsion and defilement.
4. **Warning Against Pride:** The use of qîyqâlôwn stands as a stark warning to all who trust in their own strength, exploit others, or engage in self-glorification. It underscores the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([[Proverbs 16:18]]).
### Summary
Qîyqâlôwn (`{{H7022}}`) is an intense and graphic Hebrew term denoting "intense disgrace" or "shameful spewing." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Habakkuk 2:16]] powerfully describes the ultimate, repulsive humiliation awaiting the proud and oppressive Chaldeans as a consequence of God's righteous judgment. This word signifies a complete and irreversible reversal of their perceived glory into utter defilement and public contempt. Theologically, qîyqâlôwn underscores the severity of divine retribution, God's unwavering justice against human arrogance and wickedness, and the utterly repugnant nature of sin in the sight of a holy God. It serves as a vivid portrayal of the ultimate degradation meted out to those who defy the Lord.
TRV