or אַשְׁפּוֹת; or שְׁפֹת; (contraction) plural of a noun of the same form as אַשְׁפָּה, from שָׁפָה (in the sense of scraping); a heap of rubbish or filth; dung (hill).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼashpôth**, represented by `{{H830}}`, refers to a heap of rubbish, filth, or a dunghill. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses. The term carries a strong connotation of utter lowliness and destitution, used both to describe a literal place for waste and as a powerful metaphor for a state of abject poverty and disgrace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H830}}` appears in two distinct contexts. Metaphorically, it represents the lowest possible social and physical state from which God can rescue someone. Both [[1 Samuel 2:8]] and [[Psalms 113:7]] describe God as one who "lifteth up the beggar{H34} from the **dunghill**{H830}" to place him among princes. Conversely, in [[Lamentations 4:5]], those who once lived in luxury are so desolate they "embrace **dunghills**{H830}". Literally, it identifies a specific location in Jerusalem, the "dung gate" or "dung port," which was the exit for the city's refuse. This gate is mentioned multiple times in Nehemiah as part of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls ([[Nehemiah 2:13]], [[Nehemiah 3:13-14]], [[Nehemiah 12:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of **ʼashpôth**:
* `{{H1800}}` **dal** (poor): This term describes the person whom God "raiseth up" from the dust, often in parallel with the one lifted from the **dunghill** ([[1 Samuel 2:8]], [[Psalms 113:7]]).
* `{{H34}}` **ʼebyôwn** (beggar, needy): This word further defines the state of the person found at the **dunghill**, emphasizing destitution and want. God lifts the "needy" from this place of filth [[Psalms 113:7]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H830}}` in Nehemiah to refer to the literal "dung **gate**," a crucial piece of Jerusalem's infrastructure [[Nehemiah 3:13-14]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to repair, fortify): This verb describes the work done on the dung gate by Malchiah during the restoration of Jerusalem, highlighting its importance to the city's function and defense [[Nehemiah 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H830}}` is expressed through its contrasting uses:
* **Divine Reversal:** The dunghill is the ultimate symbol of a cursed or hopeless state. God's power to lift the poor from the **dunghill** and seat them with princes demonstrates His sovereignty over human fortune and His compassion for the lowly ([[1 Samuel 2:8]], [[Psalms 113:7]]).
* **Consequence of Judgment:** For those who once lived in splendor, being forced to "embrace **dunghills**" is a sign of profound judgment and desolation, a physical manifestation of their fall from grace and prosperity [[Lamentations 4:5]].
* **Civic and Spiritual Restoration:** The literal repair of the **dung** gate in Nehemiah is essential to restoring the integrity of Jerusalem's walls `{{H2346}}`. This act signifies the re-establishment of order, cleanliness, and security, which are necessary components of a restored community under God.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼashpôth** `{{H830}}` is a term loaded with meaning, moving beyond a simple reference to refuse. It functions as a powerful symbol for the lowest point of human existence, a place of filth and dishonor. Whether used to illustrate God’s immense power to elevate the humble or to describe the literal gate necessary for a city’s health, **ʼashpôth** powerfully depicts themes of divine salvation, judgment, and the practical steps of national restoration.
TRV