### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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