### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shakkûwl**, represented by `{{H7909}}`, describes a state of being **bereaved** or **barren**. Derived from a root meaning to be bereaved of children or whelps, it appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. The term captures a profound sense of loss, which can manifest as either a state of barrenness or a fierce, dangerous grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H7909}}` is most frequently used to create a powerful simile for extreme danger and anger. Hushai describes David and his men as being "chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field" [[2 Samuel 17:8]]. This same imagery of a **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` bear is used to describe God's own wrath [[Hosea 13:8]] and as a benchmark for a perilous encounter in Proverbs [[Proverbs 17:12]]. The word also denotes a state of barrenness or loss, as seen in Jeremiah's curse that the wives of his enemies would be **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` of their children [[Jeremiah 18:21]]. Conversely, in the Song of Solomon, its absence signifies perfection, where among a flock of sheep, "none is **barren** `{{H7909}}`" ([[Song of Solomon 4:2]], [[Song of Solomon 6:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the contexts of bereavement and loss:
* `{{H1677}}` **dôb** (the bear): This animal is used in three of the six occurrences of `{{H7909}}` to personify the ferocious anger that comes from being bereaved of one's young ([[Hosea 13:8]], [[Proverbs 17:12]]).
* `{{H490}}` **ʼalmânâh** (widow): In Jeremiah's curse, being **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` of children is paired directly with becoming **widows** `{{H490}}`, painting a picture of complete societal and familial desolation [[Jeremiah 18:21]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word represents the children who are the object of the bereavement. The judgment prophesied in Jeremiah is that wives will be bereaved of their **children** `{{H1121}}`, highlighting the tragic human cost [[Jeremiah 18:21]].
* `{{H3684}}` **kᵉçîyl** (fool): The danger of a **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` bear is considered greater than that of a **fool** `{{H3684}}` in his **folly** `{{H200}}`, using the word to establish a proverbial extreme [[Proverbs 17:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7909}}` is evident in its use to describe divine actions and consequences.
* **Divine Wrath:** God Himself adopts the persona of a **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` bear to illustrate the intensity of His coming judgment against a rebellious people, promising "I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps" [[Hosea 13:8]].
* **A Curse of Judgment:** Being bereaved is invoked as one of the most severe consequences of disobedience. Jeremiah calls for this state upon his enemies, asking God to deliver their children to famine and make their wives **bereaved** `{{H7909}}` and **widows** `{{H490}}` [[Jeremiah 18:21]].
* **The Absence of Blessing:** In contrast, the absence of `{{H7909}}` signifies blessing, completeness, and fruitfulness. In the idyllic imagery of the Song of Solomon, the beloved's perfection is described as a flock where none are **barren** `{{H7909}}`, and every one bears twins [[Song of Solomon 4:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7909}}` is a potent term that conveys more than simple sadness. It embodies the fierce, dangerous grief of loss, the desolation of barrenness, and the ultimate curse of being robbed of the next generation. Whether used to describe the protective rage of a mother **bear** `{{H1677}}`, the wrath of God, or the blessing found in its absence, **shakkûwl** serves as a stark biblical indicator of both profound judgment and perfect fruitfulness.