### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shêthâh**, represented by `{{H8357}}`, is a term for the **buttock**. Derived from שִׁית, it refers to the seat of a person. This specific word appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, used in contexts of extreme shame and humiliation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H8357}}` is exclusively associated with acts of public disgrace. In one instance, Hanun dishonors David's servants by cutting off their garments "in the middle, even to their **buttocks**" before sending them away [[2 Samuel 10:4]]. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah describes a future humiliation where the king of Assyria will lead away captives from Egypt "naked and barefoot, even with their **buttocks** uncovered," an act that brings "shame" upon the nation [[Isaiah 20:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear in the same contexts of shame and exposure:
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut (off, down or asunder)): This word describes the direct action that leads to exposure. Hanun is said to have **cut off** the garments of David's servants, exposing them [[2 Samuel 10:4]].
* `{{H6174}}` **ʻârôwm** (nude, either partially or totally): This describes the state of the humiliated captives. The Egyptians and Ethiopians are led away **naked** with their buttocks uncovered [[Isaiah 20:4]].
* `{{H6172}}` **ʻervâh** (nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness)): This term highlights the intended result of the exposure. The uncovering of the captives' buttocks is done specifically "to the **shame** of Egypt" [[Isaiah 20:4]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H8357}}` carries significant weight in portraying judgment and dishonor.
* **Symbol of National Humiliation:** The exposure of the buttocks `{{H8357}}` is not merely a personal indignity but a symbol of national defeat and disgrace, as seen with the captives from Egypt [[Isaiah 20:4]].
* **Act of Intentional Contempt:** The word appears in narratives where disrespect is deliberately inflicted. Hanun’s treatment of David's servants was an intentional act of shaming to show contempt [[2 Samuel 10:4]].
* **Physical Exposure as Judgment:** In the context of Isaiah, the forced nakedness and uncovered buttocks `{{H8357}}` of the prisoners of war serves as a visible sign of judgment executed by the king of Assyria [[Isaiah 20:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8357}}` is a specific anatomical term whose biblical significance is derived entirely from its context. Used only twice, it functions as a powerful illustration of public shaming and the humiliation of enemies. The word underscores how physical exposure served as a potent symbol of disgrace, defeat, and judgment in the biblical world.
TRV