### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăshûwyâh**, represented by `{{H803}}`, refers to a **foundation**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its sole usage defines it within a context of collapse and divine judgment, describing the very base of a structure being brought to ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only biblical appearance of `{{H803}}` is in the prophecy against Babylon in [[Jeremiah 50:15]]. In a declaration of the LORD's vengeance, the verse commands a shout against the city, stating that "her **foundations** are fallen, her walls are thrown down." The term is used here to signify the very basis of Babylon's physical power and security, which is being dismantled as an act of God's judgment upon the nation for its actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the theme of destruction and divine power:
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall, in a great variety of applications): This verb directly describes the fate of the foundations in [[Jeremiah 50:15]]. It is used to depict both a literal collapse and a metaphorical downfall, such as the fall of a leader from heaven [[Isaiah 14:12]] or the fall of a righteous man who will rise again [[Proverbs 24:16]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (a wall of protection): In its only context, `{{H803}}` is paired with the destruction of Babylon's walls `{{H2346}}`. A wall signifies protection, whether a physical defense for a city like Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 2:17]] or God Himself acting as a "wall of fire" for his people [[Zechariah 2:5]].
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy): This is the action performed on the walls alongside the fallen foundations. It denotes a violent dismantling and is used to describe God's power to "throw down" kingdoms [[Jeremiah 1:10]] as well as the destruction of the wicked [[Psalms 28:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H803}}` is derived entirely from its singular, dramatic context.
* **Divine Judgment:** The use of `{{H803}}` in [[Jeremiah 50:15]] is an unambiguous illustration of divine retribution. The verse explicitly states that the collapse of the foundations is "the vengeance of the LORD."
* **Vulnerability of Human Strength:** The word represents the core support of a fortified city. Its falling, paired with the throwing down of walls `{{H2346}}`, symbolizes the complete failure of human-built defenses in the face of God's sovereign power.
* **The LORD's Power to Overthrow:** The context of `{{H803}}` is part of a broader biblical theme where God both builds up and throws down [[Jeremiah 24:6]]. The destruction of Babylon's foundation demonstrates His authority to dismantle the proudest works of humanity.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼăshûwyâh** `{{H803}}` provides a potent, though singular, image of a **foundation**. Its appearance in [[Jeremiah 50:15]] ties it exclusively to the theme of divine judgment, where the core structures of a powerful human empire are brought to ruin. The word serves as a stark reminder that what is built by man can be undone by God, illustrating His ultimate authority over the nations.
TRV