or תְּשֻׁעָה; from שָׁוַע in the sense of יָשַׁע; rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual); deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉshûwʻâh**, represented by `{{H8668}}`, signifies **rescue**. It appears 34 times across 32 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is broad, encompassing literal or figurative rescue for individuals or the nation, and can be translated as deliverance, help, safety, salvation, or victory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8668}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently employed to describe a military victory or national deliverance granted by God, as when "the LORD wrought a great **salvation** for all Israel" [[1 Samuel 19:5]]. The word also establishes God as the exclusive source of security, contrasting human preparation with divine provision: "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but **safety** is of the LORD" [[Proverbs 21:31]]. This concept is elevated to a spiritual and permanent state in passages like [[Isaiah 45:17]], which promises an "everlasting **salvation**" in the LORD.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of rescue and deliverance:
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to free or succor... save(-iour), get victory.): This is the primitive root from which tᵉshûwʻâh is derived, signifying the direct act of saving. In [[Isaiah 45:17]], Israel is to be **saved** `{{H3467}}` by God with an everlasting **salvation** `{{H8668}}`.
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (to snatch away... deliver... rescue, save): This word implies a forceful rescue from danger. David asks God to **deliver** `{{H5337}}` him from bloodguiltiness, addressing Him as the God of his **salvation** `{{H8668}}` [[Psalms 51:14]].
* `{{H5833}}` **ʻezrâh** (aid; help): This term relates to assistance and support. The Psalms contrast the vain **help** `{{H8668}}` of man with the call for God's **help** `{{H5833}}` from trouble [[Psalms 60:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8668}}` is immense. It consistently points to God as the agent of deliverance.
* **Divine Source of Salvation:** Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that true salvation originates from God, not human effort or power. Trusting in princes is described as futile because in man "there is no **help**" [[Psalms 146:3]]. This contrasts with the assurance that "the **salvation** of the righteous is of the LORD" [[Psalms 37:39]].
* **National and Military Deliverance:** `{{H8668}}` is frequently used to describe God's intervention on behalf of Israel in battle. The LORD is credited with having "wrought a great **victory**" against the Philistines [[2 Samuel 23:12]], and even a foreign king's success is attributed to God having "given **deliverance** unto Syria" [[2 Kings 5:1]].
* **Spiritual and Enduring Rescue:** The concept extends beyond physical rescue to a deep, spiritual reality. The prophets speak of an "everlasting **salvation**" [[Isaiah 45:17]], and waiting for the "**salvation** of the LORD" is portrayed as a good and hopeful act [[Lamentations 3:26]], implying a trust that transcends immediate circumstances.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8668}}` is more than a simple word for rescue. It carries the weight of God's direct intervention in human affairs, from providing military **victory** [[2 Samuel 23:10]] and personal **safety** [[Proverbs 11:14]] to offering an everlasting spiritual **salvation** [[Isaiah 45:17]]. The term consistently points away from human strength and toward the LORD as the only reliable source of deliverance, help, and ultimate victory.
TRV