### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shavʻâh**, represented by `{{H7775}}`, is a feminine noun meaning a **hallooing** or **crying**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. It signifies a desperate cry for help, typically uttered in a state of great distress and directed towards God with the expectation of being heard and rescued.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Biblically, `{{H7775}}` is the audible expression of anguish. The children of Israel, suffering under `{{H5656}}` **bondage** in Egypt, uttered a **cry** that `{{H5927}}` came up to God [[Exodus 2:23]]. In the Psalms, David makes a **cry** to the LORD `{{H3068}}` from his `{{H6862}}` **distress** ([[Psalms 18:6]], [[2 Samuel 22:7]]). This cry is not aimless; it is specifically directed to God and is heard from His `{{H1964}}` **temple**. The word also describes the collective **cry** of a `{{H5892}}` **city** smitten with `{{H2914}}` **emerods** [[1 Samuel 5:12]] and the lament of the `{{H6041}}` **afflicted** whose prayer comes before the Lord [[Psalms 102:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and nature of this desperate appeal:
* `{{H7768}}` **shâvaʻ** (to halloo; cry): This primitive root describes the act of crying out for freedom from trouble. It is the direct action that produces the audible `{{H7775}}` **cry**. The psalmist states that in his distress he **cried** `{{H7768}}` to God [[Psalms 18:6]].
* `{{H6862}}` **tsar** (distress): This noun denotes a tight place or trouble, which is the source of the cry. The psalmist utters his **cry** `{{H7775}}` when he finds himself in **distress** `{{H6862}}` ([[Psalms 18:6]], [[2 Samuel 22:7]]).
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This verb is the crucial divine response. The expectation is that God will not just perceive the sound but will listen and act. The LORD `{{H3068}}` is repeatedly said to **hear** `{{H8085}}` the **cry** `{{H7775}}` of those who fear him ([[Psalms 145:19]], [[Psalms 40:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7775}}` is centered on the relationship between human suffering and divine response.
* **A Cry from Helplessness:** The **cry** originates from a state of profound need. It is uttered by Israel under `{{H5656}}` **bondage** [[Exodus 2:23]], the `{{H6041}}` **afflicted** who feel `{{H5848}}` **overwhelmed** [[Psalms 102:1]], and individuals like David in personal `{{H6862}}` **distress** [[Psalms 18:6]], highlighting a complete dependence on God for rescue.
* **God's Attentive Ear:** The scriptures consistently affirm that this **cry** does not go unnoticed. The LORD's `{{H241}}` **ears** are described as open to the cry of the `{{H6662}}` **righteous** [[Psalms 34:15]], and the **cry** is said to enter His very ears ([[Psalms 18:6]], [[2 Samuel 22:7]]).
* **An Appeal that Prompts Salvation:** Hearing the **cry** is directly linked to God's intervention. He promises to fulfill the desire of those who fear him and will `{{H8085}}` hear their **cry** `{{H7775}}` and `{{H3467}}` **save** them [[Psalms 145:19]]. This establishes a pattern where a genuine appeal from the afflicted moves God to act.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7775}}` **shavʻâh** is far more than a simple utterance of pain. It is a structured, purposeful appeal born from affliction and directed to a God who is expected to hear and act. The term encapsulates the dynamic between human desperation and divine compassion, illustrating the biblical assurance that the cries of the righteous, the afflicted, and the oppressed reach the ears of the LORD and can initiate His powerful salvation.
TRV