### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉrûwqâh**, represented by `{{H8292}}`, denotes a whistling, piping, bleating, or hissing. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning shifts significantly depending on the context, ranging from the sound of flocks to an expression of scorn.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8292}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In the book of Judges, it describes the **bleatings** of the flocks. The tribe of Reuben is questioned for remaining among the sheepfolds to hear these sounds instead of joining in battle, which resulted in "great searchings of heart" [[Judges 5:16]]. In contrast, Jeremiah uses the term to describe a "perpetual **hissing**" [[Jeremiah 18:16]]. This sound is a sign of a land made desolate by judgment, causing every person who passes by to be astonished and wag their head.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of `{{H8292}}` in its contexts:
* `{{H4942}}` **mishpâth** (sheepfold): This word establishes the pastoral setting in Judges where the **bleatings** are heard, directly linking the sound to the location of the flocks [[Judges 5:16]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (hear): This verb is used for the act of listening to the **bleatings**, highlighting Reuben's deliberate choice to remain and hear these sounds [[Judges 5:16]].
* `{{H8047}}` **shammâh** (desolation): This term is the direct result of the judgment that provokes the **hissing** in Jeremiah, defining the state of ruin and astonishment that the sound signifies [[Jeremiah 18:16]].
* `{{H5110}}` **nûwd** (wag/taunt): This describes the physical gesture of scorn that accompanies the audible **hissing** from those who witness the desolation of the land [[Jeremiah 18:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8292}}` is expressed through its dual application:
* **A Sign of Judgment and Scorn:** The "hissing" described in Jeremiah is a direct consequence of divine judgment. It serves as an audible symbol of astonishment and ruin, turning the land into a perpetual spectacle of desolation for all who pass by [[Jeremiah 18:16]].
* **A Symbol of Inaction:** In Judges, the "bleatings" of the flocks represent a distraction or a choice for peace over duty. By choosing to abide among the sheepfolds and listen to these sounds, Reuben is marked by indecision, prompting "great searchings of heart" [[Judges 5:16]].
* **An Audible Response to Divine Action:** In both instances, the word represents a sound that arises in response to a divine call or work. It can be the sound of derision from observers witnessing judgment or the mundane sound that captivates those who should be engaged in a righteous cause.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8292}}` is a rare word with a powerful contextual duality. On one hand, it is the simple, pastoral sound of **bleatings** that signifies inaction and misplaced priorities [[Judges 5:16]]. On the other, it is the sharp, derisive sound of **hissing**, a mark of perpetual scorn and astonishment in the face of God's judgment [[Jeremiah 18:16]]. The meaning of **shᵉrûwqâh** is therefore defined not just by the sound itself, but by the circumstances that produce it.
TRV