### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shiggâʻôwn**, represented by `{{H7697}}`, describes a state of **craziness** or an action performed **furiously**. Its base definition is madness. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, but it carries significant weight in its contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7697}}` is used to illustrate both divine judgment and intense human action. As a curse for disobedience, the LORD warns He will "smite thee with **madness**" [[Deuteronomy 28:28]]. This theme of divine action is repeated in Zechariah's prophecy, where God declares He will "smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with **madness**" [[Zechariah 12:4]]. In a different context, the term describes the distinctive driving of Jehu, which a watchman identifies because "he driveth **furiously**" [[2 Kings 9:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H7697}}`, creating a fuller picture of disarray and judgment:
* `{{H5788}}` **ʻivvârôwn** (blindness; blind(-ness).): This word for blindness is paired with **madness** in both [[Deuteronomy 28:28]] and [[Zechariah 12:4]], forming part of a triad of afflictions sent by the LORD.
* `{{H8541}}` **timmâhôwn** (consternation; astonishment.): This term, signifying profound confusion, also appears with **madness** and **blindness** in the curses listed in [[Deuteronomy 28:28]] and [[Zechariah 12:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7697}}` is focused on its role as an instrument of divine power and a descriptor of human behavior.
* **A Tool of Judgment:** The word is primarily used to describe a specific punishment inflicted by God. This **madness** is not a random affliction but a direct consequence delivered by the LORD against Israel for disobedience [[Deuteronomy 28:28]] or against the enemies of Judah [[Zechariah 12:4]].
* **Intense Action:** The description of Jehu's driving as **furiously** [[2 Kings 9:20]] connects the concept of "craziness" to a visible, wild, and energetic display, showing how an internal state can manifest externally.
* **Mental Disorientation:** When used with **blindness** `{{H5788}}` and **astonishment** `{{H8541}}`, it points to a complete breakdown of perception and reason, a state of utter confusion imposed as divine judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7697}}` is a specific and powerful word used to convey two related ideas: the state of **madness** and the action of behaving **furiously**. Though used sparingly, it serves as a stark illustration of divine judgment, where God can afflict the mind as a form of punishment, and as a vivid descriptor for extreme human behavior.
TRV