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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
TRV