### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tamrûwr**, represented by `{{H8563}}`, is derived from a root meaning to be bitter. It conveys an intense state of **bitterness**, often idiomatically as **most bitter(-ly)**. This specific term appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, highlighting its use in contexts of extreme anguish or provocation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H8563}}` consistently marks situations of profound crisis. In Jeremiah, it describes the "bitter `weeping`" `{{H1065}}` of `Rahel` `{{H7354}}` for her lost `children` `{{H1121}}`, an inconsolable grief that was `heard` `{{H8085}}` as a `voice` `{{H6963}}` of `lamentation` `{{H5092}}` in `Ramah` `{{H7414}}` [[Jeremiah 31:15]]. The term also depicts the "most bitter `lamentation`" `{{H4553}}` that the `daughter` `{{H1323}}` of God's `people` `{{H5971}}` is called to make, a mourning like that for an `only son` `{{H3173}}` because of the sudden arrival of `the spoiler` `{{H7703}}` [[Jeremiah 6:26]]. In a different context, it describes the cause of judgment, where `Ephraim` `{{H669}}` `provoked` `{{H3707}}` the `Lord` `{{H113}}` to anger `most bitterly` `{{H8563}}`, resulting in his `reproach` `{{H2781}}` being returned to him [[Hosea 12:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The intensity of `{{H8563}}` is amplified by the words it accompanies:
* `{{H1065}}` **Bᵉkîy** (weeping): Directly paired with `{{H8563}}` to describe the "bitter `weeping`" of `Rahel` `{{H7354}}`, emphasizing a profound and overflowing sorrow [[Jeremiah 31:15]]. It signifies a weeping that is continual.
* `{{H4553}}` **miçpêd** (lamentation): Describes the "most bitter `lamentation`" in response to impending doom, connecting the bitterness to a formal act of wailing and mourning [[Jeremiah 6:26]].
* `{{H3173}}` **yâchîyd** (only son): The call to a lamentation as for an `only son` `{{H3173}}` provides the ultimate measure for the "most bitter" grief commanded in [[Jeremiah 6:26]], signifying a loss that is unique and irreplaceable.
* `{{H3707}}` **kaʻaç** (to provoke him to anger): In Hosea, this word is the action that is done `most bitterly` `{{H8563}}`, showing that bitterness can also be a quality of provocation that incites divine wrath [[Hosea 12:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8563}}` is seen in its portrayal of extreme spiritual and emotional states.
* **The Depth of Sorrow:** The word is used to articulate a level of grief that is absolute and inconsolable, as seen in the national mourning personified by `Rahel` `{{H7354}}`. It captures the pain of catastrophic loss when she `refused` `{{H3985}}` to be `comforted` `{{H5162}}` [[Jeremiah 31:15]].
* **The Consequence of Sin:** The "most bitter lamentation" is not without cause; it is a direct response to judgment from `the spoiler` `{{H7703}}` [[Jeremiah 6:26]]. The bitterness is a tangible expression of the devastation that follows disobedience.
* **The Provocation of God:** Beyond being a reaction, bitterness is presented as an action that offends God. `Ephraim` `{{H669}}` provokes the `Lord` `{{H113}}` `most bitterly` `{{H8563}}`, leading to a judgment where his own `blood` `{{H1818}}` and `reproach` `{{H2781}}` are left upon him [[Hosea 12:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8563}}` **tamrûwr** is a rare but potent term used to convey the upper limits of bitterness. It is not a word for common sadness, but for the most severe forms of anguish and provocation. It encompasses both the devastating emotional fallout of judgment and the active offense against God that warrants such a response, making it a critical term for understanding the gravity of sin and sorrow in scripture.
TRV