### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉchûwth**, represented by `{{H7816}}`, is a term for a **pit**. Derived from the root שָׁחָה, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its sole usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical appearance, `{{H7816}}` is used metaphorically to illustrate a principle of retributive justice. The one who "causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way" is warned that "he shall fall himself into his own **pit**" [[Proverbs 28:10]]. This imagery highlights the self-destructive nature of leading others to sin, where the trap intended for another ensnares the perpetrator instead.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in its only context illuminate the meaning of `{{H7816}}`:
* `{{H7686}}` **shâgâh** (to go astray): This word describes the action of causing someone to stray, mistake, or transgress. It is the initial act that sets the consequence of the pit in motion [[Proverbs 28:10]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This term defines the nature of the path that leads to the pit. It is an "evil way" that ensnares not only its intended victim but also its creator [[Proverbs 28:10]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall): This word describes the direct consequence associated with the pit. The one who leads others astray is the one who will ultimately **fall** into the trap they have set [[Proverbs 28:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7816}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful metaphor.
* **Retributive Justice:** The concept that one's evil actions create the mechanism of one's own punishment is central to the use of `{{H7816}}`. The act of causing the righteous `{{H3477}}` to go astray `{{H7686}}` results in falling `{{H5307}}` into one's "own **pit**" [[Proverbs 28:10]].
* **Moral Consequence:** The image of the pit serves as a stark warning about the danger of misleading others. This act is portrayed as creating an "evil `{{H7451}}` way `{{H1870}}`" that ultimately traps its own architect.
* **Contrasting Destinies:** The fate of the malicious person is set against the reward for the blameless. While the one who causes sin falls into a pit, the verse concludes that "the upright `{{H8549}}` shall have good `{{H2896}}` things in possession `{{H5157}}`" [[Proverbs 28:10]], illustrating a clear theological division of outcomes.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{H7816}}` is a rare word, it conveys a profound and focused biblical principle. It functions as a potent metaphor for a self-inflicted trap, illustrating the theme of divine justice where the consequence of a malicious act is borne by its originator. It stands as a timeless warning about the inescapable outcome of leading the righteous into an evil way.
TRV