### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăbêdâh**, represented by `{{H9}}`, refers to something **lost**. Its base definition extends from a concrete lost item to the abstract concept of destruction, even Hades, though its biblical usage primarily focuses on the former. This term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, consistently in contexts dealing with items that have gone missing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H9}}` is consistently used in legal and ethical contexts surrounding lost property. For instance, in laws concerning restitution, it is stipulated that "for any manner of **lost thing**" [[Exodus 22:9]] which another person claims, the matter must be brought before the judges `{{H430}}`, and the one condemned `{{H7561}}` must pay double `{{H8147}}` to their neighbor `{{H7453}}`. Furthermore, the law specifies that if someone "found `{{H4672}}` that which was **lost** `{{H9}}`, and lieth `{{H3584}}` concerning it, and sweareth `{{H7650}}` falsely `{{H8267}}`; in any `{{H259}}` of all these that a man `{{H120}}` doeth `{{H6213}}`, sinning `{{H2398}}` therein `{{H2007}}`" [[Leviticus 6:3]], they are held accountable. This highlights a moral dimension associated with lost items. Moreover, a specific command dictates the responsibility of a person who finds "any **lost thing** `{{H9}}` of thy brother's `{{H251}}`, which he hath lost `{{H6}}`, and thou hast found `{{H4672}}`, shalt thou do `{{H6213}}` likewise: thou mayest `{{H3201}}` not hide `{{H5956}}` thyself" [[Deuteronomy 22:3]]. This applies to various items like an ox `{{H7794}}`, an ass `{{H2543}}`, or raiment `{{H8071}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of lost things and the actions surrounding them:
* `{{H6}}` **ʼâbad** (to lose, perish): As the primitive root from which `{{H9}}` derives, this term signifies the act of losing or being lost, as seen in the phrase "which he hath **lost**" [[Deuteronomy 22:3]].
* `{{H4672}}` **mâtsâʼ** (to find): This word is intrinsically linked to `{{H9}}`, appearing in every verse that mentions "lost thing" `{{H9}}`. It denotes the act of discovering or recovering what was lost, such as "the lost thing `{{H9}}` which he **found**" [[Leviticus 6:4]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to restore, turn back): This term indicates the action of returning something, particularly evident in the legal requirement to "restore `{{H7725}}` that which he took violently away...or the lost thing `{{H9}}` which he found `{{H4672}}`" [[Leviticus 6:4]].
* `{{H7999}}` **shâlam** (to make amends, pay): Directly related to the consequences of a lost item in the legal context, where the condemned party "shall **pay** `{{H7999}}` double `{{H8147}}` unto his neighbour `{{H7453}}`" [[Exodus 22:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H9}}` primarily revolves around themes of justice, restitution, and communal responsibility within the Israelite legal framework.
* **Ethical Obligation**: The recurring command to "not hide `{{H5956}}` thyself" [[Deuteronomy 22:3]] from a brother's `{{H251}}` lost property establishes a fundamental ethical obligation to actively seek and return missing items.
* **Consequences of Deceit**: The direct linkage of `{{H9}}` to lying `{{H3584}}` and swearing falsely `{{H7650}}` in [[Leviticus 6:3-4]] underscores the serious moral implications of dishonesty regarding lost property, leading to guilt `{{H816}}` and the need for restitution.
* **Divine Justice in Law**: The involvement of judges `{{H430}}` and the principle of paying double `{{H8147}}` for a lost thing `{{H9}}` in cases of trespass `{{H6588}}` [[Exodus 22:9]] highlights God's demand for fairness and integrity in community dealings, even in seemingly minor matters of property.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H9}}` refers to a **lost** item and serves as a key term in Old Testament legal and ethical teachings. Its usage illustrates the importance of honesty, accountability, and the active process of finding and restoring what has gone astray. The verses associated with `{{H9}}` paint a clear picture of the community's responsibility to one another and the divine standards for dealing with property and truth, emphasizing the gravity of deceit concerning "lost things."
TRV