Lexical Summary hemyah: Murmuring, roaring, sound Original Word: הֶמְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance noise From hamah; sound -- noise. see HEBREW hamah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hamon Definition a sound, music NASB Translation music (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [הֶמְיָה] noun feminine sound, music, of instruments הֶמְיַת נְבָלֶ֑יךָ Isaiah 14:11. Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Occurrence The word הֶמְיָה appears a single time in Scripture, Isaiah 14:11. Its rarity gives it a concentrated force, inviting careful attention to its setting and message. Textual Setting (Isaiah 14:11) “Your pomp and the music of your harps have been brought down to Sheol; maggots make your bed and worms cover you.” Here הֶמְיָה is rendered “music,” capturing the reverberating din of harps once heard in royal halls. In an instant that sound is silenced, dragged down with the fallen king to the realm of the dead. Semantic Range and Imagery Though occurring only once, the term evokes: By pairing the word with “pomp,” Isaiah exposes the fragility of earthly grandeur. The very music that broadcasted power becomes a faint echo swallowed by corruption. Context within Isaiah 14 Isaiah 14 is a taunt song against the king of Babylon—an oracle that also foreshadows the fate of every God-opposing power. The prophet pictures the ruler descending to Sheol, greeted by the dead he once terrorized. The mention of הֶמְיָה highlights three motifs: 1. Reversal: Triumph turns to torment (Isaiah 14:4–8). Thematic Connections in Scripture While הֶמְיָה itself is unique, its themes resonate broadly: Historical and Prophetic Significance Historically, Isaiah spoke into Assyrian dominance, yet envisioned Babylon’s later rise and fall. הֶמְיָה captures the essence of Babylonian culture—lavish banquets accompanied by harps—only to reveal its transient nature. Prophetically, the word anticipates every empire’s demise when confronted by the holiness of God. Practical Ministry Insights 1. Worship Discernment: Music can exalt either God or self. הֶמְיָה warns against art that magnifies human pride. Christological and Eschatological Resonances Isaiah’s dirge sets the stage for the Messiah who humbles the proud and raises the lowly (Luke 1:52). At the cross, worldly pomp is exposed, and at the Second Coming all rebellious music will cease, replaced by the new song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3). Devotional Reflection The lone occurrence of הֶמְיָה reminds believers that every earthly sound eventually fades. Invest in the worship that will never be silenced: “Sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1). Forms and Transliterations הֶמְיַ֣ת המית hem·yaṯ hemYat hemyaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 14:11 HEB: שְׁא֛וֹל גְּאוֹנֶ֖ךָ הֶמְיַ֣ת נְבָלֶ֑יךָ תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙ NAS: Your pomp [and] the music of your harps KJV: to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: INT: to Sheol your pomp the music of your harps beneath 1 Occurrence |
    |