עָגַם

to be sad

Definition

The Hebrew verb עָגַם (ʻâgam) means to be sad, grieved, or sorrowful, conveying a deep emotional state of distress or mourning. It describes an internal experience of grief that is often expressed outwardly. In its single biblical occurrence in Job 30:25, it refers to Job's profound personal sorrow and empathy for the suffering of others, highlighting a grief that is both felt and actively lamented. The word captures the weight of emotional pain, distinct from mere disappointment, implying a sorrow that touches the core of one's being.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in the poetic book of Job. In Job 30:25, Job declares, 'Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?' Here, the word is used in a context of empathetic mourning and personal lament. The usage connects deep personal sadness (grieving for oneself) with compassionate grief for the suffering of others, showing it as an active, engaged emotional state within wisdom literature's exploration of human pain.

Etymology

עָגַם is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. Cognates in related Semitic languages suggest a core meaning related to being troubled, sad, or grieved. As a primary verb, it forms the basis for expressing this specific type of sorrow, with its meaning remaining consistent in its biblical attestation as an internal state of grief.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it gives voice to the deep, godly sorrow that can accompany righteous suffering and empathy. In Job 30:25, Job uses it to defend his character, asserting that his grief was not self-centered but extended to the poor and troubled. This aligns with biblical themes of lament, compassion, and the validity of human sorrow before God. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the depth and legitimacy of grief as part of the human, and even faithful, experience, as modeled by Job in his distress.

In ancient Israelite culture, grief and mourning were often communal and outwardly expressed. While עָגַם describes an internal feeling, its use by Job—a figure known for profound lament—situates it within the cultural practice of giving voice to sorrow. This contrasts with some modern tendencies to privatize or minimize grief. Job's statement shows that deep sadness, especially when rooted in compassion for others, was considered a legitimate and expressive part of life.

אָבַל (ʼāval, H56) — to mourn, often with outward rituals like weeping; דָּאַב (dāʼav, H1669) — to pine away, be faint or languish from grief; יָגָה (yāgâ, H3013) — to grieve, suffer, often from affliction.

Word Details

Scripture References