### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉʼôwl**, represented by `{{H7585}}`, refers to **Hades or the world of the dead**. It appears **65 times** across **63 unique verses**. The term is used broadly to signify a subterranean retreat for the dead, and can be translated as **grave**, **hell**, or **pit**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7585}}` is depicted in several distinct ways. It is frequently described as a destination that one **descends** or is brought down into ([[1 Samuel 2:6]], [[Genesis 42:38]]). It is a place of silence and inactivity, where there is "no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom" [[Ecclesiastes 9:10]], and no praise of God [[Isaiah 38:18]]. `{{H7585}}` is often portrayed as insatiable, enlarging itself and opening its mouth without measure ([[Isaiah 5:14]], [[Habakkuk 2:5]]). While it is the destination for the wicked [[Psalms 9:17]], the Bible also speaks of God's power over it, promising to ransom and redeem the soul from its grasp ([[Hosea 13:14]], [[Psalms 49:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Hebrew words clarify the meaning and context of `{{H7585}}`:
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend): This primitive root describes the action of going downwards and is consistently used to portray movement into `{{H7585}}`. Characters in scripture speak of "going down" or being "brought down" to the grave ([[Genesis 37:35]], [[Isaiah 14:11]]).
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death): This term is intrinsically linked with `{{H7585}}`, often appearing in parallel. Scripture states that in **death** there is no remembrance, just as in the **grave** there are no thanks [[Psalms 6:5]]. A proud man's desire is compared to both **hell** and **death** [[Habakkuk 2:5]].
* `{{H11}}` **ʼăbaddôwn** (a perishing; destruction): This word for destruction is often paired with `{{H7585}}`. The Bible notes that "Hell and **destruction** are never full" [[Proverbs 27:20]], and that both are "naked" and uncovered before the Lord [[Job 26:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7585}}` is significant, outlining key concepts about life, death, and judgment.
* **Realm of the Dead:** It serves as the common scriptural term for the abode of the dead, a place of stillness and separation. It is where one is cut off from life, with no ability to praise or celebrate God [[Isaiah 38:18]].
* **Symbol of Finality and Judgment:** For the wicked, `{{H7585}}` is portrayed as a place of judgment and finality. The wicked are "turned into hell" [[Psalms 9:17]], and those who follow folly find its path leads down to death and holds on to **hell** [[Proverbs 5:5]].
* **Subject to Divine Sovereignty:** Despite its power, `{{H7585}}` is not outside of God's dominion. God's presence is there [[Psalms 139:8]], and He possesses the power to bring people down to it and raise them up [[1 Samuel 2:6]].
* **Hope of Redemption:** Scripture contains promises that God will not abandon the soul to `{{H7585}}`. There is a stated hope of redemption and ransom from its power ([[Psalms 16:10]], [[Hosea 13:14]], [[Psalms 49:15]]), delivering the faithful from its grasp.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7585}}` is a multifaceted term for the realm of the dead. It is far more than a simple burial plot, encompassing the concepts of a silent, subterranean world that serves as a universal destination. While often associated with judgment for the wicked, it is consistently shown to be under the absolute authority of God, who alone holds the power to deliver and redeem from its depths.
TRV