### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV