### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉbûwth**, represented by `{{H7622}}`, primarily refers to **captivity** or **exile**. It appears 44 times across 27 unique verses in the Bible. While it can literally describe prisoners, it is often used figuratively to denote a former state of prosperity that God promises to restore.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7622}}` is frequently used in prophecies of restoration. A recurring phrase is God's promise to "turn" or "bring again" the **captivity** of his people ([[Jeremiah 30:3]], [[Deuteronomy 30:3]]). This restoration is not merely a return from physical exile but a return to blessing and a former state of prosperity. For instance, when the LORD "turned the **captivity** of Job," He gave him twice as much as he had before [[Job 42:10]]. The reversal of **captivity** is linked to rebuilding waste cities, planting vineyards, and dwelling securely in the land [[Amos 9:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of exile and restoration:
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back... restore): This verb is almost always paired with `{{H7622}}`, forming the core promise to **turn** or **restore** the captivity of a people [[Jeremiah 30:18]].
* `{{H6908}}` **qâbats** (to... collect; assemble... gather): The reversal of captivity involves divine action to **gather** the scattered people from the nations where they were driven [[Jeremiah 29:14]].
* `{{H6327}}` **pûwts** (to dash in pieces... disperse... scatter): This describes the state of exile itself, where God's people have been **scattered** among the nations prior to their restoration [[Deuteronomy 30:3]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): A tangible result of the captivity being turned is the promise to **build** again what was destroyed, such as cities and dwelling places [[Amos 9:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7622}}` is tied to God's sovereign power over judgment and redemption.
* **Divine Mercy and Sovereignty:** The turning of **captivity** is presented as an act of God's sovereign will and mercy. He is the one who scatters [[Deuteronomy 30:3]] and the one who gathers [[Jeremiah 29:14]], turning judgment into restoration based on His compassion [[Jeremiah 30:18]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's promise to reverse **captivity** is often explicitly linked to His covenant with Israel's fathers. The restoration is a return to the land God gave them, which they will again possess ([[Jeremiah 30:3]], [[Jeremiah 33:26]]).
* **Total Restoration:** The concept goes beyond a mere return from exile. It signifies a complete renewal of fortune, including the rebuilding of cities [[Amos 9:14]], the return of joy [[Jeremiah 33:11]], and the restoration of God's favor and presence [[Zephaniah 3:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7622}}` is far more than a simple term for **exile**. It is a cornerstone of prophetic promises, encapsulating a cycle of judgment, exile, and divine restoration. The phrase "turning the **captivity**" represents God's sovereign power to not only bring His people home but to restore their prosperity, security, and relationship with Him, fulfilling His ancient covenant promises.
TRV