H6088 — Atsab (To hurt, grieve, pain, form)

H6088 · Hebrew · Old Testament

עָצַב

Atsab

Verb

To hurt, grieve, pain, form

Definition

Atsab (H6088) carries a double meaning: to hurt, pain, or grieve — and in other forms, to fashion or shape. The connection between forming and wounding is subtle: to be deeply shaped by something often involves pain. The noun etsev (toil, pain) flows from this root.

Usage & Theological Significance

God was 'grieved' (vayitatssev) to His heart over human wickedness before the Flood (Genesis 6:6). This is one of Scripture's most stunning anthropomorphisms: the infinite God experiencing anguish over His creation's rebellion. Isaiah 63:10 says Israel 'grieved His Holy Spirit.' Paul echoes this with 'Do not grieve the Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 4:30), making the pain of divine sorrow a New Covenant reality.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 6:6 And the LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.

Genesis 3:16 I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.

Isaiah 63:10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit.

1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.'

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Related Words

External Resources

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