### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉkôwl**, represented by `{{H7908}}`, describes a state of **bereavement**, specifically the **loss of children** or a more general sense of **spoiling**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its infrequency highlights the profound and devastating nature of the loss it signifies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7908}}` is used to convey a state of ultimate desolation. The city of Babylon, in its pride, boasts that it will never "know the **loss of children**" [[Isaiah 47:8]]. However, as a divine judgment, this very fate is pronounced upon it, with God declaring that "the **loss of children** and widowhood" will arrive suddenly in a single day [[Isaiah 47:9]]. The term is also used in a more personal and metaphorical sense in the Psalms, where the author laments being rewarded with evil for good, resulting in "the **spoiling** of my soul" [[Psalms 35:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H7908}}`:
* `{{H489}}` **ʼalmôn** (widowhood): This term for **bereavement** is directly paired with `{{H7908}}` as a dual calamity that will befall Babylon, emphasizing the completeness of the judgment: "the loss of children `{{H7908}}`, and **widowhood** `{{H489}}`" [[Isaiah 47:9]].
* `{{H490}}` **ʼalmânâh** (widow): This word establishes the context of Babylon's boast. The city personifies itself as a woman secure from the two greatest tragedies: becoming a **widow** and suffering the loss of children [[Isaiah 47:8]].
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): This word is used idiomatically to mean experiencing something. Babylon's claim that it will not "**know** the loss of children" signifies its belief that it will never experience such a tragedy [[Isaiah 47:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7908}}` is concentrated in its powerful depiction of loss and judgment.
* **Symbol of Divine Judgment:** The primary use of **shᵉkôwl** in Isaiah portrays it as a severe punishment from God. It is inflicted upon Babylon as a direct consequence of its pride, carelessness, and reliance on sorcery [[Isaiah 47:9]].
* **Ultimate National Calamity:** For a nation personified as a woman, the combined "loss of children and widowhood" represents total ruin. It is the removal of a nation's future (its children) and its present security, leaving it utterly desolate.
* **A State of Soul-Deep Grief:** [[Psalms 35:12]] shifts the meaning from a physical, national event to an internal, personal experience. The "spoiling of my soul" describes a profound sense of bereavement and desolation caused by betrayal, demonstrating that this state of loss can be felt spiritually as well as literally.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7908}}` is a potent Hebrew term for **bereavement**. Though rare, its usage powerfully conveys a state of profound desolation. It can refer to the literal **loss of children**, as seen in the judgment against Babylon, or to the metaphorical **spoiling** of the soul from deep personal injury. Paired with widowhood in Isaiah, it functions as a symbol of the most complete and devastating calamity that can befall a nation, stripping it of its future and security.
TRV