### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7539}}` (רִקָּבוֹן, *riqqâbôwn*) is a masculine noun derived from the root `{{H7538}}` (רָקָב, *raqab*), which means "to rot" or "to decay." As a noun, riqqâbôwn denotes the state or process of decay, rottenness, or putrefaction. The base definition often specifies "decay (by caries)," suggesting a particular emphasis on the insidious, internal deterioration of bone or wood. This nuance implies a gradual, often hidden, breakdown of structure from within, rather than merely superficial spoilage. Its semantic range primarily encompasses physical decomposition but extends metaphorically to describe moral, spiritual, or psychological deterioration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7539}}` appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times with profound metaphorical significance:
* **[[Proverbs 12:4]]**: "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."
* In this wisdom literature context, riqqâbôwn is used to contrast the life-giving, honoring influence of a virtuous wife with the destructive, debilitating impact of a shameful one. The phrase "rottenness in his bones" vividly portrays a deep, internal, and debilitating decay. It is not merely an external disgrace but a profound, health-eroding affliction that saps a man's strength, vitality, and very being, much like a chronic, degenerative disease of the skeletal system. It speaks to the corrosive effect of a destructive relationship on one's foundational well-being.
* **[[Habakkuk 3:16]]**: "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops."
* Here, riqqâbôwn describes the prophet Habakkuk's visceral reaction to the awesome and terrifying manifestation of God's power and impending judgment. The "rottenness entered into my bones" is a powerful metaphor for extreme physical weakness, terror, and a complete loss of composure. It signifies a profound, existential dread that permeates his entire being, causing his very physical structure to feel as if it is disintegrating from within. This imagery underscores the overwhelming nature of divine majesty and the profound human frailty in its presence.
In both instances, riqqâbôwn describes an internal, debilitating condition that undermines the very foundation of an individual's strength or well-being, whether brought on by moral failure or overwhelming fear.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Word:** The direct verbal root is `{{H7538}}` (רָקָב, *raqab*), "to rot, decay, become worm-eaten." This verb underscores the process of decomposition from which the noun riqqâbôwn derives its meaning.
* **Words for Corruption/Destruction:**
* `{{H7843}}` (שָׁחַת, *shachat*): To corrupt, destroy, spoil, often used for moral corruption or physical ruin.
* `{{H1807}}` (דָּלַל, *dalal*): To hang down, be low, waste away, often implying weakness or languishing.
* `{{H5307}}` (נָפַל, *naphal*): To fall, perish, decay (in certain contexts).
* **Concepts of Wholeness/Integrity:** Riqqâbôwn stands in stark contrast to biblical concepts of health, soundness, and integrity (e.g., `{{H5536}}` *salah* for soundness, or `{{H2428}}` *chayil* for strength/virtue, as seen in the "virtuous woman" of Proverbs 12:4). It represents the antithesis of flourishing and well-being.
### Theological Significance
The metaphorical use of `{{H7539}}` carries significant theological weight.
* **Consequence of Disorder and Sin:** In [[Proverbs 12:4]], riqqâbôwn serves as a stark metaphor for the destructive consequences of moral and relational disorder. The "shameful wife" brings about a "rottenness" that is a direct outcome of her character and actions, illustrating how sin and unrighteousness can deeply undermine one's life. This aligns with a broader biblical theme that sin leads to decay and death, both physically and spiritually.
* **Human Frailty Before Divine Majesty:** In [[Habakkuk 3:16]], the "rottenness" highlights the profound frailty of humanity in the face of God's overwhelming power and holiness. It is a visceral manifestation of spiritual dread, a reminder that human strength and composure are utterly dissolved before the awesome reality of divine judgment. This emphasizes the need for humility and reliance on God.
* **Internal vs. External Decay:** The consistent emphasis on "bones" signifies that this decay is not superficial but deeply ingrained, affecting the very foundation of one's being. It speaks to the insidious nature of sin or dread that undermines internal strength and vitality, contrasting with outward appearances. True well-being, or the lack thereof, is rooted in the inner person.
* **Contrast with Life and Wholeness:** Riqqâbôwn stands in stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on life, health, and *shalom* (peace/wholeness). It represents the destructive force of sin and the consequences of departing from divine order, underscoring the preciousness of God's gift of life and the integrity He desires for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H7539}}` (רִקָּבוֹן, *riqqâbôwn*) signifies a profound and internal state of decay or rottenness, derived from the root `{{H7538}}` meaning "to rot." Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its usage is highly significant and consistently metaphorical. In [[Proverbs 12:4]], it describes the insidious, debilitating effect of a shameful wife, likened to "rottenness in his bones," signifying a deep, internal erosion of vitality and well-being. Similarly, in [[Habakkuk 3:16]], the prophet uses riqqâbôwn to express the overwhelming, bone-deep terror and weakness experienced in the presence of God's awesome power and impending judgment. The term thus powerfully communicates not merely superficial damage, but a fundamental, internal breakdown, whether due to moral failure or overwhelming dread. Theologically, riqqâbôwn serves as a vivid metaphor for the destructive consequences of sin and disorder, highlighting the insidious nature of internal corruption and the profound frailty of humanity before divine holiness and judgment. It stands as a stark antithesis to the biblical concepts of life, health, and spiritual integrity.
TRV