a primitive root; properly, to swell up, i.e. figuratively (by implication of insolence) to devastate; waste.
Transliteration:shûwd
Pronunciation:shood
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7736}}` (שׁוּד, *shûwd*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to swell up." This initial physical sense extends figuratively to denote a destructive expansion or overwhelming force. The definition provided explicitly links this "swelling up" with "insolence," suggesting that an overgrowth, often born of pride or unchecked power, leads inevitably to devastation. Thus, its semantic range encompasses "to devastate" or "to waste," implying a thorough and ruinous destruction. The nuance of insolence or arrogance as a precursor to such devastation is a significant aspect of its figurative development.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While infrequent, the occurrences of `{{H7736}}` are potent, primarily appearing in the Hiphil stem, which denotes causation or active doing. This emphasizes the act of causing devastation.
* In [[Deuteronomy 32:25]], part of the Song of Moses, the word is used to describe the destructive power of God's judgment: "The sword without and terror within shall destroy (שׁוּד) both young man and virgin, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs." Here, it signifies the complete and indiscriminate ruin brought by divine wrath.
* [[Psalm 91:6]] speaks of divine protection from various dangers, including "the destruction (שׁוּד) that wastes at noonday." This context portrays `{{H7736}}` as a pervasive and powerful force of ruin, from which the righteous are divinely shielded.
* In [[Isaiah 13:6]], within a prophecy against Babylon, the prophet declares, "Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction (שׁוּד) from the Almighty." This verse underscores the absolute and overwhelming nature of God's impending judgment, characterized by utter devastation.
* The prophet Joel employs `{{H7736}}` to describe the catastrophic effects of the locust plague and drought. [[Joel 1:10]] laments, "The field is wasted (שׁוּד), the land mourns." [[Joel 1:17]] states, "The seeds shrivel under their clods." And in [[Joel 2:3]], describing the land after the locusts, "Before them the land is like the Garden of Eden, but after them a desolate wilderness; nothing escapes them." These passages vividly illustrate the word's capacity to convey total ruination, transforming abundance into barrenness.
Across these contexts, `{{H7736}}` consistently describes a comprehensive and severe form of destruction, often associated with divine judgment or overwhelming natural calamity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of devastation and ruin is conveyed by several Hebrew terms, and `{{H7736}}` shares semantic space with them, though often with its unique nuance of an expansive, overwhelming force.
* `{{H7722}}` (שָׁדַד, *shaddad*): This root is remarkably close in form and meaning to `{{H7736}}`, often translated as "to destroy," "to spoil," or "to lay waste." The similarity suggests a strong etymological or semantic relationship, perhaps even a dialectal variation or a shared conceptual origin.
* `{{H2717}}` (חָרַב, *charav*): Signifies "to be desolate," "to lay waste," or "to be dried up." It often describes the state of a land or city after destruction.
* `{{H6743}}` (צָאָה, *tsa'ah*): Carries the meaning "to lay waste," "to make desolate," or "to be laid waste."
* `{{H2864}}` (חָבַל, *chabal*): Can mean "to destroy," "to spoil," or "to corrupt."
* `{{H5307}}` (נָפַץ, *naphats*): "To shatter," "to break in pieces," or "to scatter," implying a destructive breaking apart.
The underlying idea of "swelling up" in `{{H7736}}` also brings to mind concepts of arrogance or pride that precede a fall, as seen in proverbs like [[Proverbs 16:18]]: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." While not a direct lexical link, the figurative connection between "insolence" and "devastation" in the definition of `{{H7736}}` resonates with this theological principle.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7736}}` is profound, primarily manifesting in contexts of divine judgment and the consequences of sin.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word frequently appears in descriptions of God's active intervention to bring about judgment upon nations or individuals. It underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of God's wrath against sin and rebellion. When God "wastes" or "devastates," it is an act of ultimate power and justice, leaving nothing untouched.
* **Consequences of Sin and Disobedience:** The use of `{{H7736}}` in prophetic warnings (e.g., Joel, Isaiah) serves as a stark reminder that disobedience and moral decay lead to ruin. The "swelling up" of insolence or sin inevitably culminates in devastating consequences, whether through natural disaster, enemy invasion, or direct divine action.
* **God's Sovereignty and Power:** The ability to bring about such utter desolation highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. He is the one who can allow or actively bring about the complete wasting of land, people, or nations, demonstrating His unmatched power.
* **Call to Repentance:** In prophetic literature, the description of impending "devastation" serves as a urgent warning and a call to repentance. The severity of the outcome emphasizes the necessity of turning back to God before such ruin is unleashed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7736}}` (שׁוּד, *shûwd*), rooted in the concept of "to swell up," figuratively describes a thorough and ruinous "devastation" or "wasting," often with the implication that such destruction arises from "insolence" or unchecked destructive force. Though appearing infrequently in the biblical text, its usage is impactful, consistently portraying a comprehensive and severe form of destruction. It is predominantly found in contexts of divine judgment, illustrating the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion. The word powerfully underscores God's sovereignty and His capacity to bring about utter desolation, serving as both a warning and a testament to His righteous judgment.
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