דְּאָבוֹן (de.a.von)
de.a.von
sorrow
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun de’avon describes a state of faintness or languishing, capturing the physical and emotional exhaustion that follows severe distress. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Deuteronomy 28:65 among the curses detailing the hardships awaiting Israel if they abandon their covenant with God.
In this context, the word paints a vivid picture of a people whose strength has been completely drained. The sources define it as pining or fainting, suggesting a slow, draining weakness rather than sudden collapse. This specific usage highlights how spiritual disobedience can lead to a profound loss of vitality and hope, leaving the community in a state of weary despair.
While rare, its singular occurrence carries significant weight. Translators often render it as "fainting" or "languishing," emphasizing the tangible toll of judgment on the human body and spirit. The word serves as a stark reminder in Deuteronomy that covenant faithfulness is tied to holistic well-being, including physical strength and mental resilience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word de’avon captures a deep, lingering exhaustion that goes beyond simple tiredness. It describes a state where strength fades slowly, leaving the spirit and body worn down by prolonged distress. This rare term appears in Deuteronomy to illustrate the heavy cost of turning away from God’s covenant. It reminds us that our well-being is deeply connected to our relationship with Him.
When life feels overwhelming and rest seems impossible, this word validates the reality of such struggle. It shows that even those who follow God can face seasons where their energy is drained. Yet, acknowledging this weakness is not a sign of failure but an invitation to seek His sustaining grace. In our moments of faintness, we are reminded that true rest is found only in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ despair of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/דַֽאֲב֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:65
Among these nations you will find no ease, and there will be no rest for the sole of your foot; but Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and pining of soul.
This verse uses de’avon to describe the soul-pining exhaustion that results from abandoning the covenant, highlighting the tangible toll of spiritual distance.