סוּר

turned off, i.e. deteriorated

Definition

The Hebrew word סוּר (çûwr) is a noun meaning 'turned off' or 'degenerate,' describing something that has deteriorated or become corrupt. It specifically refers to a state of moral or qualitative decline, often used metaphorically for people who have strayed from a good or intended condition. In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 2:21, it describes Israel as a 'degenerate' or 'wild' vine, emphasizing a departure from its original, cultivated purpose. The term conveys a sense of active turning away, resulting in a corrupted, unproductive state.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 2:21, where the prophet uses agricultural imagery to rebuke Israel. God laments, 'Yet I had planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine?' (ESV). Here, סוּר is employed in a prophetic, metaphorical context to depict the nation's moral and spiritual decay, contrasting God's initial planting with their subsequent corruption. The usage is poetic and accusatory, highlighting a failure to live up to a divine calling.

Etymology

סוּר is derived from the root סור (s-w-r, H5493), meaning 'to turn aside, depart, or remove.' As a probable passive participle of this verb, סוּר carries the sense of 'that which is turned off' or 'turned aside.' This root is common in Hebrew, often describing physical turning or metaphorical apostasy. The development from an action ('to turn') to a state ('turned off/degenerate') reflects a focus on the resulting condition of deviation, particularly in a negative, moral sense.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the biblical theme of covenant unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 2:21, it vividly portrays Israel's idolatry and moral decline as a degeneration from God's intended design, akin to a cultivated vine turning wild. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by emphasizing that sin is not just a passive failure but an active turning away from God's purpose, resulting in a corrupted identity. It underscores the seriousness of apostasy and the need for repentance and restoration.

In ancient Israelite culture, viticulture (vine-growing) was a familiar agricultural practice. A 'degenerate' or 'wild' vine would be understood as a cultivated grapevine that had reverted to a useless, unproductive state, yielding sour or no fruit. This metaphor resonated deeply in an agrarian society, making Jeremiah's accusation clear: Israel, meant to be fruitful for God, had become spiritually barren. The cultural imagery highlights the stark contrast between God's nurturing care and the people's wasted potential.

סָרַח (sarach, H5628) — to go free, spread, often implying unchecked growth or excess, but less focused on moral decline. עָוָה (avah, H5753) — to bend, twist, or pervert, emphasizing distortion from a right state. שָׁחַת (shachat, H7843) — to corrupt, destroy, or ruin, with a stronger sense of active spoilage.

Word Details

Scripture References