### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shiqqûwy**, represented by `{{H8250}}`, refers to a beverage or moisture. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, where its meaning is extended figuratively to represent refreshment, or translated more literally as **drink** or **marrow**. This term, though rare, captures the idea of both physical sustenance and deep, internal vitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical occurrences of `{{H8250}}` present it in contrasting contexts. In Proverbs, it is used figuratively as **marrow** that brings health to the bones, portraying it as a deep, internal blessing [[Proverbs 3:8]]. In Hosea, it is used literally as **drink**, listed among the physical provisions like water `{{H4325}}` and oil `{{H8081}}` that an unfaithful mother sought from her lovers instead of from God [[Hosea 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H8250}}` in its contexts:
* `{{H7500}}` **riphʼûwth** (health): This word for a cure or **health** is used in parallel with **shiqqûwy** in [[Proverbs 3:8]], where obedience brings **health** to the navel and **marrow** to the bones.
* `{{H6106}}` **ʻetsem** (bone): This term refers to the **bone** or the very substance of the body. In [[Proverbs 3:8]], the bones are the recipients of the refreshing **marrow** `{{H8250}}`, illustrating a deep-seated vitality.
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): As a fundamental beverage, **water** is listed alongside **drink** `{{H8250}}` in [[Hosea 2:5]], grounding the term in the context of basic physical sustenance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8250}}` is found in its contrasting applications:
* **Divine Refreshment:** As **marrow**, it symbolizes the profound, internal vitality and spiritual health that comes as a direct blessing for faithfulness and wisdom [[Proverbs 3:8]].
* **Misplaced Dependence:** As **drink**, it represents a basic provision. The act of seeking it from false lovers, as described in [[Hosea 2:5]], illustrates a misplaced dependence on worldly sources rather than on God for sustenance.
* **A Symbol of Choice:** Together, the two uses highlight a choice between receiving deep, inner refreshment from God or seeking simple, external provision from ungodly sources.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8250}}` **shiqqûwy** is a nuanced term whose meaning shifts dramatically with its context. While it can denote a simple **drink**, it is also used powerfully as a metaphor for the **marrow** of one's bones, representing profound spiritual health. Its two appearances starkly contrast a life blessed with divine refreshment [[Proverbs 3:8]] and one that seeks sustenance through unfaithfulness [[Hosea 2:5]], making it a concise illustration of dependence on God versus the world.
TRV