### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâchâh**, represented by `{{H7811}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to swim** or, causatively, **to inundate**. Though it appears only **3 times** across **2 unique verses**, its usage provides powerful and distinct imagery in both a literal and a figurative sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H7811}}` is used to illustrate concepts of overwhelming action. In a prophecy of judgment, it describes a swimmer's deliberate movements, stating, "as he that swimmeth{H7811} spreadeth forth his hands to swim{H7811}" [[Isaiah 25:11]]. This simile portrays an unstoppable and effective action to bring down pride. In a completely different context, the psalmist uses the word figuratively to express profound grief, declaring he is so weary with groaning that he makes his bed "to swim{H7811}" with tears [[Psalms 6:6]], creating an image of being inundated by sorrow.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the contexts in which `{{H7811}}` appears:
* `{{H3021}}` **yâgaʻ** (weary): This word captures the psalmist's state of exhaustion that leads to his bed swimming in tears [[Psalms 6:6]]. It describes being so tired from groaning and sorrow as to be faint [[Jeremiah 45:3]].
* `{{H1832}}` **dimʻâh** (tears): This is the source of the figurative inundation in [[Psalms 6:6]]. Tears are recognized throughout scripture as a profound expression seen by God, who promises to one day wipe them away from all faces [[Isaiah 25:8]].
* `{{H6566}}` **pâras** (spread forth): Used in direct parallel with `{{H7811}}` in the phrase "spreadeth forth his hands to swim" [[Isaiah 25:11]], this word describes a deliberate, stretching motion, often associated with reaching out in prayer or charity [[Proverbs 31:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7811}}` lies in its ability to create visceral and extreme imagery.
* **Metaphor for Overwhelming Sorrow:** In [[Psalms 6:6]], the word illustrates a grief so deep that it becomes a flood. The psalmist feels he is literally drowning in his own tears, a powerful metaphor for utter despair and weariness.
* **Simile for Divine Judgment:** The depiction of the swimmer in [[Isaiah 25:11]] serves as a powerful illustration of God's decisive action. Just as a swimmer purposefully moves through water, God will effectively and surely bring down the pride of his enemies.
* **Expression of Physicality:** The word connects an intense physical action—swimming—to profound spiritual or emotional states, showing how the biblical authors used tangible experiences to describe intangible realities.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7811}}` is a rare but impactful verb that vividly portrays the concept of being overwhelmed. Whether used to describe the inundating flood of personal sorrow [[Psalms 6:6]] or the confident, unstoppable strokes of divine judgment [[Isaiah 25:11]], **sâchâh** demonstrates how a single, specific action can become a powerful symbol for expressing spiritual and emotional extremes.
TRV