### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shikkârôwn**, represented by `{{H7943}}`, means **intoxication** or **drunkenness**. It is a potent, though rare, term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. It describes a state of being drunk, often in a figurative sense to illustrate a profound spiritual condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7943}}` is used metaphorically to describe the effects of God's judgment. In Jeremiah, the LORD declares He will fill the leaders and inhabitants of Jerusalem with **drunkenness**, signifying a state of confusion and helplessness as a form of punishment [[Jeremiah 13:13]]. This theme is echoed in Ezekiel, where the nation is to be filled with **drunkenness** and sorrow from the "cup of astonishment and desolation" [[Ezekiel 23:33]]. A different, though equally intense, usage appears in a prophetic vision of a great sacrificial feast, where the attendees are told to "drink blood till ye be **drunken**" [[Ezekiel 39:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the concept of being overwhelmingly consumed:
* `{{H4390}}` **mâlêʼ** (to fill or be full of): This word is directly paired with `shikkârôwn` to emphasize a complete and total state. It is used when God says he will "fill" the people with drunkenness [[Jeremiah 13:13]] and that Jerusalem "shalt be filled" with it [[Ezekiel 23:33]].
* `{{H7654}}` **sobʻâh** (satiety; to have enough): This term describes the state of being full or satisfied. It is used in conjunction with `shikkârôwn` in the context of the great sacrifice, where participants eat "till ye be full" and drink until they are drunken [[Ezekiel 39:19]].
* `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to imbibe; drink): This is the root action that leads to drunkenness. In the sacrificial feast, it is the command to **drink** blood that results in the state of `shikkârôwn` [[Ezekiel 39:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7943}}` is significant, primarily as a symbol of divine retribution.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** Drunkenness is used to portray a state of staggering helplessness and confusion inflicted upon those facing God's wrath. The loss of control associated with intoxication serves as a powerful metaphor for a nation that has lost its way and is now subject to divine discipline [[Jeremiah 13:13]].
* **The Cup of Desolation:** The term is explicitly linked to the prophetic image of a "cup." Being filled with `shikkârôwn` is the result of being forced to drink from the "cup of astonishment and desolation," representing the full measure of punishment for unfaithfulness [[Ezekiel 23:33]].
* **Overwhelming Devastation:** In the vision of God's great sacrifice, being "drunken" on blood is part of a graphic depiction of the complete and total consumption of God's enemies, emphasizing the finality of their judgment [[Ezekiel 39:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7943}}` is more than a literal reference to being inebriated. It serves as a powerful and stark biblical metaphor for the consequences of sin. Used exclusively in the context of prophecy, **shikkârôwn** illustrates a state of utter confusion, helplessness, and desolation that comes as a direct result of divine judgment, showing how God can use a familiar human condition to communicate a profound spiritual reality.
TRV