The Hebrew word shachepheth, represented by H7829, is a term for emaciation or consumption. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, consistently describing a wasting disease used as a form of divine punishment.
In both of its occurrences, H7829 is presented as a severe curse from God for disobedience. In Leviticus, it is appointed alongside terror H928 and burning ague H6920 as a punishment that will consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart Leviticus 26:16. Similarly, in Deuteronomy, the LORD smites the people with consumption, as part of a larger list of calamities including fever H6920, inflammation H1816, and extreme burning H2746, which will pursue them until they perish H6 Deuteronomy 28:22.
Several related words clarify the context of this affliction, often appearing alongside it in scripture:
- H6920 qaddachath (burning ague, fever): Defined as a febrile disease or inflammation, this term appears with consumption in both of its biblical mentions, indicating a wasting sickness accompanied by high heat (Leviticus 26:16, Deuteronomy 28:22).
- H928 behâlâh (terror, trouble): This word for panic or destruction is listed directly before consumption in Leviticus 26:16, linking the physical ailment to a state of profound psychological distress.
- H1816 dalleqeth (inflammation): Described as a burning fever, this is another ailment listed with consumption in the curses of Deuteronomy 28:22.
- H3615 kâlâh (consume): This verb describes the effect of the disease, stating that consumption and its accompanying fever will consume the eyes Leviticus 26:16. Its definition includes to end, fail, waste, and be destroyed utterly.
The theological weight of H7829 is tied directly to the consequences of sin under the Mosaic covenant.
- Instrument of Divine Judgment: H7829 is used exclusively within the context of covenant curses. It is not a random illness but a specific punishment from the LORD for disobedience (Leviticus 26:16, Deuteronomy 28:22).
- Physical Manifestation of a Curse: The term illustrates how spiritual rebellion can result in tangible, physical suffering. Consumption is a wasting disease that actively consumes H3615 the body, causing the eyes to fail and leading ultimately to ruin.
- A Component of Broader Calamity: Consumption does not appear alone. It is consistently grouped with other afflictions like fever H6920, inflammation H1816, and terror H928, showing that it is part of a comprehensive divine response to sin that ends in perishing Deuteronomy 28:22.
In summary, H7829 shachepheth is a potent and specific term for a wasting disease. Its two biblical appearances firmly establish it as an instrument of divine judgment, a severe physical malady inflicted as a consequence of disobedience. Paired with other afflictions like fever and terror, it illustrates the grave and consuming nature of the covenant curses.
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