### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâthâh**, represented by `{{H8356}}`, is defined as a **basis**, referring figuratively to **political or moral support**, and can be understood as **foundation** or **purpose**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, giving significant weight to its specific contexts. Its meaning points to the underlying structures that uphold a society or an endeavor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H8356}}` illustrates what happens when fundamental supports are removed. In Psalms, it is used to question the stability of a society when its moral bedrock is compromised, asking, "If the **foundations** be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" [[Psalms 11:3]]. In Isaiah, the word shifts to mean "purposes," describing the futility of human industry when its foundational plans are judged and "broken" by a higher power [[Isaiah 19:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the impact of a compromised foundation or purpose:
* `{{H2040}}` **hâraç** (to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy): This word is directly paired with `{{H8356}}` in [[Psalms 11:3]], describing the active destruction of the "foundations." It emphasizes a deliberate act of overthrowing or ruining a structure.
* `{{H1792}}` **dâkâʼ** (to crumble; transitively, to bruise, crush, destroy): Used in [[Isaiah 19:10]], this term describes the state of being "broken" in one's purposes. It suggests a crushing or crumbling of plans and efforts.
* `{{H6662}}` **tsaddîyq** (just, lawful, righteous (man)): This word identifies those who are most affected when the foundations are destroyed. The crisis posed in [[Psalms 11:3]] is specifically about what the **righteous** can do in the face of societal collapse.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8356}}` is focused on the consequences of instability and judgment.
* **Moral and Societal Stability:** The use of "foundations" in [[Psalms 11:3]] suggests that righteousness requires a stable moral and political framework to operate. Its destruction creates a crisis for the just.
* **Fragility of Human Endeavors:** The "purposes" in [[Isaiah 19:10]] are associated with human labor ("all that make sluices and ponds"). Their being "broken" illustrates that human plans and systems are ultimately fragile and subject to being dismantled.
* **A Precondition for Action:** The word implies that a solid basis, whether a moral foundation or a clear purpose, is a prerequisite for fruitful action. Without it, the efforts of even the righteous are called into question.
### Summary
In summary, **shâthâh** `{{H8356}}` serves as a potent, though infrequent, term for the concepts of foundation and purpose. Its two scriptural uses powerfully illustrate a single theme from two angles: the destruction of a society's moral foundations and the breaking of humanity's core purposes. The word underscores the critical importance of a solid basis for both righteous living and meaningful endeavor.
TRV