### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉphâdâh**, represented by `{{H7089}}`, denotes **destruction** and **terror**. Derived from a root meaning "shrinking," it conveys a sense of fearful collapse. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in the single verse of [[Ezekiel 7:25]], making its solitary use particularly impactful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7089}}` is in the prophecy of Ezekiel, where it describes an unavoidable judgment. The verse states, "**Destruction** cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none" [[Ezekiel 7:25]]. Here, **destruction** is not a passive state but an active, advancing force that is coming upon the people. It is starkly contrasted with the desperate but futile search for peace, highlighting a moment of ultimate crisis where safety and well-being are no longer attainable.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Ezekiel 7:25]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H7089}}`:
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This primitive root signifies arrival and is used to describe how the **destruction** will manifest. It is not a distant threat but an event that will "come" and "befall" the people, as seen in other contexts where God grants a request [[1 Chronicles 4:10]] or a vision will surely **come** [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H1245}}` **bâqash** (to search out, seek): This word describes the people's response to the coming judgment. They will "seek" or "make request" for peace. This same verb is used for seeking God [[Deuteronomy 4:29]] or seeking righteousness [[Zephaniah 2:3]], but here it emphasizes a fruitless effort.
* `{{H7965}}` **shâlôwm** (peace): This term represents what is desperately sought but absent. It means more than the absence of conflict, encompassing welfare, prosperity, and safety. The arrival of **destruction** `{{H7089}}` marks the complete removal of **peace**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7089}}` is concentrated in its singular, dramatic appearance.
* **The Inevitability of Judgment:** The use of the verb **bôwʼ** (to come) with **destruction** presents judgment not as a possibility but as a certainty. It is an appointed event that will arrive, as prophesied [[Ezekiel 7:25]].
* **The Antithesis of Divine Peace:** The text explicitly sets **destruction** as the opposite of **peace** `{{H7965}}`. As God is the one who creates peace [[Isaiah 45:7]] and gives it as a blessing [[Psalms 29:11]], its absence signifies a state of judgment where such divine favor is withdrawn.
* **Futile Seeking:** The act of seeking peace in the face of this **destruction** is shown to be useless. This implies a point of no return, where the consequences of sin have come to fruition and the opportunity to seek and find God's favor has passed [[Ezekiel 7:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **qᵉphâdâh** `{{H7089}}` is a potent and concise term for **destruction**. Though used only once, its placement in scripture delivers a powerful message. It serves as a stark warning of a judgment that is active, unavoidable, and absolute. The word's meaning is sharpened by its context, standing in direct opposition to the concept of **peace** and showing the futility of seeking well-being when divine judgment is set to arrive.
TRV