### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉmurâh**, represented by `{{H8109}}`, describes a state of **waking** or something guarded, like an eyelid. Its rarity is notable, as it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, highlighting a very specific and focused meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H8109}}` is in [[Psalms 77:4]], where the psalmist cries out to God, "Thou holdest mine eyes **waking**: I am so troubled that I cannot speak." In this context, the word portrays a forced state of wakefulness or sleeplessness directly attributed to God's action. It is not a natural state but a result of profound inner turmoil and a sense of being held in a state of distress by a divine hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H270}}` **ʼâchaz** (to seize): Defined as a primitive root meaning to seize or take hold of, this word is used in [[Psalms 77:4]] to describe how God "holdest" the psalmist's eyes. It implies a firm, inescapable grip.
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye): This word for "eye" is used both literally and figuratively. In its sole context, `{{H8109}}` is directly connected to the eyes, describing the state of the guarded eyelids that cannot close [[Psalms 77:4]].
* `{{H6470}}` **pâʻam** (to impel or agitate): This root word means to tap, impel, or agitate, and is translated as "troubled" in [[Psalms 77:4]]. It appears elsewhere to describe a troubled spirit, such as Pharaoh's after his dream [[Genesis 41:8]].
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (to speak): Meaning to speak, declare, or utter, this word's use in [[Psalms 77:4]] shows the psalmist's distress is so great he "cannot speak," linking his physical state of wakefulness to an inability to articulate his suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8109}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful use.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Suffering:** The use of `{{H8109}}` in [[Psalms 77:4]] directly attributes the psalmist's sleeplessness to God's action. This highlights a theological understanding where even personal distress can be within the sovereign hold of God.
* **The Anguish of Silence:** The state of **waking** is linked to being so "troubled that I cannot speak" [[Psalms 77:4]]. This illustrates how profound spiritual or emotional turmoil can manifest physically, creating a state where one is too agitated for rest and too overwhelmed for expression.
* **A Guarded State:** The root definition of **shᵉmurâh** as "something guarded" adds a layer of meaning. The psalmist's eyelids are being guarded, held open by God, suggesting a forced vigilance or a period of trial from which there is no immediate escape.
### Summary
In summary, **shᵉmurâh** `{{H8109}}` is a highly specific term whose entire biblical meaning is contained within a single, poignant verse. It powerfully depicts a state of forced **waking**, not as a simple lack of sleep, but as a condition of profound distress where an individual feels held in a state of agitated sleeplessness by God himself. The word captures the physical experience of a spiritual crisis, where turmoil is so great that it silences speech and prevents rest.
TRV