### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bûwshâh**, represented by `{{H955}}`, refers to **shame**. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses. The term denotes an overwhelming sense of disgrace, often as a palpable consequence or covering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical prophecy, `{{H955}}` is consistently used to describe a state of judgment and defeat. It is something that will **cover** an enemy who mockingly asks, "Where is the LORD{H3068} thy God{H430}?" [[Micah 7:10]]. This shame is a direct result of sin, such as the **violence** `{{H2555}}` committed against a **brother** `{{H251}}`, which leads to being **cut off** `{{H3772}}` for ever [[Obadiah 1:10]]. In a vision of judgment, **shame** is prophesied to be upon all **faces** `{{H6440}}`, accompanied by **horror** `{{H6427}}` and signs of mourning like **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}` and **baldness** `{{H7144}}` [[Ezekiel 7:18]]. It can also be a condition brought about by God, who is described as having **covered** `{{H5844}}` someone with **shame** and shortened the **days** `{{H3117}}` of his **youth** `{{H5934}}` [[Psalms 89:45]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context in which **bûwshâh** appears:
* `{{H3680}}` **kâçâh** (to cover): a primitive root; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy). This verb is frequently paired with `{{H955}}`, illustrating how **shame** acts as a garment or covering that overwhelms a person or people as a result of their actions [[Obadiah 1:10]].
* `{{H2555}}` **châmâç** (violence): from חָמַס; violence; by implication, wrong. This word identifies the cause of the **shame**. It is not a random occurrence but a direct consequence of committing **violence** against one's own **brother** `{{H251}}`, Jacob `{{H3290}}` [[Obadiah 1:10]].
* `{{H341}}` **ʼôyêb** (enemy): an active participle of אָיַב; hating; an adversary. Shame is often portrayed as the ultimate end for an **enemy** of God's people. The one who taunts will be covered in **shame** and be **trodden down** `{{H4823}}` as mire [[Micah 7:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H955}}` is centered on the theme of divine judgment.
* **A Consequence of Sin:** The term is explicitly linked to specific transgressions. It is the outcome of **violence** `{{H2555}}` against a **brother** [[Obadiah 1:10]], establishing it as a righteous consequence for sin.
* **A Garment of Judgment:** **Shame** is described as something that **cover**s `{{H3680}}` a person, making their disgrace public. It clothes an **enemy** [[Micah 7:10]] and is set upon all **faces** [[Ezekiel 7:18]] as an undeniable mark of judgment.
* **A Mark of Defeat and Horror:** In prophetic visions, `{{H955}}` is part of a larger picture of utter devastation. It is associated with **horror** `{{H6427}}`, public mourning rituals like wearing **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}`, and the humiliation of **baldness** `{{H7144}}` [[Ezekiel 7:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H955}}` is not merely an internal feeling but a tangible and visible state of disgrace. It functions as a divine judgment that **covers** individuals and nations in response to specific sins like **violence** or mockery of God. Whether seen on all **faces** amidst **horror** or upon an **enemy** who is **trodden down**, **bûwshâh** signifies a profound and public humiliation.
TRV