The Hebrew word shibrôwn, represented by H7670, is derived from the root H7665 and signifies a rupture or ruin. It appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition includes concepts such as a pang, as well as the figurative ruin that comes from breaking or destruction.
In its biblical usage, H7670 depicts two distinct forms of breaking. In Jeremiah, it is used in a plea for divine judgment, asking God to "destroy them with double destruction" Jeremiah 17:18. This context frames it as the ultimate ruin brought upon persecutors. Conversely, Ezekiel uses the term to illustrate a profound and physical grief, commanding the prophet to "Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins" Ezekiel 21:6. Here, it represents an internal, body-wracking pang of anguish and bitterness.
Several related Hebrew words help to illuminate the concept of breaking and destruction:
- H7665 shâbar: As the primitive root for H7670, it means to burst or break in pieces. It is used to describe everything from a broken heart to the destruction of the wicked (Psalms 34:18, Psalms 37:17).
- H2865 châthath: Meaning to be dismayed or broken down by confusion and fear. It is used in parallel with the plea for destruction in Jeremiah, where the prophet asks that his enemies be dismayed Jeremiah 17:18.
- H584 ʼânach: This word for to sigh or groan is directly linked to the physical anguish of H7670. In Ezekiel, the prophet is told to sigh with the breaking of his loins, showing the outward sound of an inward rupture Ezekiel 21:6.
- H4814 mᵉrîyrûwth: Meaning bitterness or grief. It is used to describe the state of the prophet as he sighs with the breaking of his loins, emphasizing the deep sorrow accompanying the physical pang Ezekiel 21:6.
The theological weight of H7670 is found in its depiction of absolute and tangible ruin.
- Divine Retribution: The word is used to call for a final and complete judgment. Jeremiah's prayer for a "double destruction" on his persecutors frames it as the ultimate consequence of opposing God's servant, linked directly with the "day of evil" H7451 Jeremiah 17:18.
- Prophetic Suffering: It illustrates the immense personal cost of bearing a divine message of doom. Ezekiel is commanded to embody the coming sorrow with a physical "breaking" and bitterness H4814, demonstrating that the pain of judgment is felt deeply by God's messengers Ezekiel 21:6.
- A State of Ruin: Derived from the verb to break H7665, shibrôwn represents the resulting condition of being broken. This applies both to the external state of enemies being destroyed and the internal state of a person collapsing under the weight of grief.
In summary, shibrôwn H7670 is a rare but potent term for destruction and breaking. While used only twice, it powerfully conveys both the external ruin of divine judgment and the internal, physical pang of profound sorrow. It moves beyond an abstract concept of destruction to describe a tangible and complete rupture, whether of an enemy's power or a prophet's own body and spirit.
TRV