from שָׁבַר; rupture, i.e. a pang; figuratively, ruin; breaking, destruction.
Transliteration:shibrôwn
Pronunciation:shib-rone'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שִׁבְרוֹן (shibrôwn), Strong's H7670, is derived from the root שָׁבַר (shabar, `{{H7665}}`), which fundamentally means "to break," "shatter," "burst," or "crush." As a noun, שִׁבְרוֹן encapsulates the *state* or *result* of this breaking. Its semantic range extends from a literal "rupture" or "breaking" to more figurative and severe concepts such as "destruction," "ruin," and "calamity." The nuance of "pang" suggests an acute, often painful, internal or sudden breaking, perhaps a sharp emotional or physical distress akin to a breaking within. Thus, שִׁבְרוֹן conveys a sense of profound fragmentation, devastation, and the painful consequences thereof.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שִׁבְרוֹן appears consistently in prophetic and wisdom literature, predominantly describing severe national or personal distress and ruin.
* In [[Proverbs 17:19]], it refers to "destruction" or "ruin" as the outcome of loving transgression and arrogance, highlighting the moral consequences of sin.
* The prophetic books frequently employ שִׁבְרוֹן to depict the dire state of Israel or other nations under divine judgment. For instance, [[Isaiah 30:26]] speaks of the Lord binding up "the brokenness" (שִׁבְרוֹן) of His people, juxtaposing their present wounded state with future divine healing and restoration. Similarly, [[Isaiah 60:18]] declares a future devoid of "destruction" (שִׁבְרוֹן) within Zion's borders, emphasizing a time of peace and security.
* Jeremiah extensively uses שִׁבְרוֹן to lament the "brokenness" or "wound" of his people. In [[Jeremiah 4:6]], it denotes "great destruction" coming from the north. Crucially, [[Jeremiah 6:14]] and [[Jeremiah 8:21]] condemn false prophets who "heal the brokenness" (שִׁבְרוֹן) of God's people superficially, underscoring the depth of their spiritual and national malady and the futility of human remedies without genuine repentance. The prophet's own anguish over this "brokenness" is palpable in [[Jeremiah 8:21]] and [[Jeremiah 14:17]].
* The book of Lamentations powerfully uses שִׁבְרוֹן to describe the utter devastation of Jerusalem after its fall. [[Lamentations 2:11]] and [[Lamentations 2:13]] portray the "brokenness" (שִׁבְרוֹן) of the daughter of Zion as vast as the sea, a wound beyond human healing, evoking profound sorrow and despair.
* In [[Ezekiel 30:16]], שִׁבְרוֹן refers to the "breaking into" or destruction of cities in Egypt, illustrating the breadth of divine judgment upon nations.
Across these contexts, שִׁבְרוֹן consistently denotes a state of profound damage, ruin, or severe affliction, often as a consequence of sin and a manifestation of divine judgment. It conveys not merely physical destruction but also deep emotional and spiritual wounding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for שִׁבְרוֹן is its root, שָׁבַר (shabar, `{{H7665}}`), which is the active verb "to break." Thus, שִׁבְרוֹן represents the *effect* or *state* of being broken.
Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of destruction, ruin, or calamity include:
* חָרְבָּה (ḥorbâ, `{{H2717}}`): desolation, ruin, often referring to a desolate place.
* שׁוֹאָה (shô'â, `{{H7722}}`): devastation, ruin, often associated with a storm or sudden catastrophe.
* פֶּרֶץ (perets, `{{H6556}}`): a breach, a breaking forth, often implying an unexpected or violent breaking through.
* מַחַץ (maḥats, `{{H4272}}`): to smite, crush, wound, often in the context of battle or judgment.
Thematically, שִׁבְרוֹן is deeply intertwined with concepts of:
* **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** It is frequently the result of God's righteous judgment against sin.
* **Calamity and Disaster:** It signifies profound national or personal misfortune.
* **Lamentation and Sorrow:** Especially in Jeremiah and Lamentations, it evokes deep grief and despair over the state of brokenness.
* **Healing and Restoration:** Paradoxically, the recognition of this profound brokenness (שִׁבְרוֹן) often sets the stage for the prophetic promise of divine healing and restoration (e.g., Isaiah 30:26).
### Theological Significance
The theological import of שִׁבְרוֹן is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a powerful descriptor of the **consequences of sin and disobedience** to God's covenant. When God's people stray, the "brokenness" they experience is not merely an unfortunate circumstance but a direct outcome of their moral and spiritual rupture with Him. It signifies a profound disruption of order, peace, and well-being.
Secondly, שִׁבְרוֹן highlights **God's sovereignty in judgment**. While human sin is the cause, God is often portrayed as the one who brings about this "destruction" or "brokenness" as a just response. This underscores His holiness and His commitment to upholding righteousness within His covenant relationship. The severe nature of שִׁבְרוֹן emphasizes the gravity of offending a holy God.
Thirdly, the widespread use of שִׁבְרוֹן in prophetic laments reveals a deep **divine and prophetic empathy** for the suffering of God's people. The prophet Jeremiah's personal anguish over the "brokenness" of his people (e.g., [[Jeremiah 8:21]]) mirrors, in a human way, God's own sorrow over the devastation brought about by sin. It is not a cold, detached judgment, but one that causes the heart of God (and His messenger) to ache.
Finally, while שִׁבְרוֹן vividly portrays profound devastation, it also sets the stage for **divine healing and restoration**. The very brokenness that seems insurmountable (e.g., [[Lamentations 2:13]]) underscores the absolute necessity of God's intervention. Passages like [[Isaiah 30:26]] offer hope that the Lord Himself will bind up the "brokenness" of His people, demonstrating His redemptive power to mend what is shattered and restore what is ruined. Thus, שִׁבְרוֹן, while a word of judgment, ultimately points to the ultimate hope found in God's capacity to heal and make whole.
### Summary
שִׁבְרוֹן (shibrôwn, `{{H7670}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "breaking," "rupture," "destruction," or "ruin," directly stemming from the root "to break" (שָׁבַר, `{{H7665}}`). It is predominantly used in biblical literature to describe the severe consequences of sin, manifesting as national calamity, spiritual brokenness, or profound distress. The term encompasses both physical devastation and the deep emotional and spiritual wounds inflicted by divine judgment. While depicting the dire state of those who have strayed from God, שִׁבְרוֹן also implicitly highlights God's righteous sovereignty in judgment and, crucially, sets the stage for His unique capacity to bring about healing and restoration where human efforts fail. It is a word that encapsulates both the devastating impact of disobedience and the ultimate hope in God's redemptive power.
TRV