Bible Word Study
אָשִׁישׁ
ʼâshîysh · a (ruined) foundation
אָשִׁישׁ
a (ruined) foundation
Definition
The Hebrew noun אָשִׁישׁ (ʼâshîysh) refers to a foundation, specifically one that is ruined or desolate. It appears only in Isaiah 16:7, where it describes the shattered foundations of Moab. The word conveys not just a physical base or support structure, but one that has been broken down, likely through judgment or devastation. This singular usage emphasizes complete loss and instability, contrasting a foundation's intended purpose of providing security and permanence.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 16:7. It occurs within a prophetic lament over the nation of Moab. The context is one of mourning and desolation, where the 'foundations' (אָשִׁישׁ) are portrayed as ruined. The usage is poetic and metaphorical, highlighting the totality of Moab's coming judgment and collapse.
Etymology
אָשִׁישׁ is derived from a root meaning 'to be firm' or 'to press down,' related to אֵשׁ (H784, 'fire'), possibly through the concept of a firm, established hearth. It is linguistically connected to אֲשׁוּיָה (H803), which also means 'foundation.' This etymology underscores the core idea of a solid, established base, which in its one biblical use is tragically overturned.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. It symbolizes the utter ruin that follows divine judgment. A foundation represents stability and hope; a ruined foundation (אָשִׁישׁ) signifies the complete removal of that security. In Isaiah 16:7, it illustrates the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, showing that what was once established can be utterly dismantled. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the prophetic depth of Moab's lament. In ancient Near Eastern culture, strong foundations were vital for the longevity of cities, walls, and temples. A ruined foundation meant more than a damaged building; it signified the total defeat and desolation of a people. For Isaiah's audience, the image of Moab's shattered foundations would have been a powerful metaphor for national collapse and the loss of identity and protection. יְסוֹד (yesod, H3245) — a more common term for foundation, base, or principle, often used in literal and figurative contexts. שָׁת (shath, H7896) — to set or lay a foundation. אֲשׁוּיָה (ʼashuwyah, H803) — a foundation, a related noun from the same root concept.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]