The Hebrew word tᵉmûwthâh, represented by H8546, refers to a state of execution or being doomed to die. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is derived from the root word for death and specifically points to a sentence of death or a fated execution.
In both of its scriptural appearances, H8546 is found in the Psalms in the context of a plea for divine intervention. It describes the condition of prisoners who are "appointed to death" Psalms 102:20 or "appointed to die" Psalms 79:11. The word is consistently associated with the suffering of captives, whose groaning and sighing are heard by God. This context frames H8546 not as a natural death, but as a dire sentence from which the psalmist seeks deliverance.
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the meaning of H8546:
- H615 'âçîyr (prisoner): This word is used in both instances alongside H8546, identifying the subjects as captives who are facing death (Psalms 79:11, Psalms 102:20).
- H603 'ănâqâh (groaning, sighing): This describes the sound made by the prisoner appointed to die, signifying deep distress and suffering. It is the sound that comes before God, prompting His intervention (Psalms 79:11, Psalms 102:20).
- H1121 bên (son): This word is used to construct the phrase "appointed to die," which literally translates to "sons of death." This idiom emphasizes a state of being destined for or belonging to death (Psalms 79:11, Psalms 102:20).
The theological weight of H8546 is tied to God's relationship with the afflicted and powerless.
- Divine Intervention: The word is used exclusively in prayers that call upon God to act. It underscores the belief that God hears the cries of the suffering, specifically the "groaning of the prisoner" Psalms 102:20, and has the power to intervene.
- God's Power to Preserve: In Psalms 79:11, the plea to "preserve thou those that are appointed to die" is made "according to the greatness of thy power." This links God's omnipotence directly to his ability to overturn a human or circumstantial death sentence.
- A State of Doom: The term highlights a condition of being condemned. Those described by H8546 are not merely dying but are under a sentence of death, and their only hope for deliverance lies outside of themselves, in the power and mercy of God.
In summary, H8546 is a specific and powerful term that denotes a sentence of death. Though used only twice, its context within the Psalms clearly defines it as the state of a prisoner doomed to die. It functions within prayers that appeal to God's compassion and His mighty power to preserve life, making it a significant word for understanding divine deliverance from utter hopelessness.
TRV