שַׁעֲרוּרָה
something fearful
Definition
The Hebrew word שַׁעֲרוּרָה refers to something that is shockingly dreadful, abhorrent, or a horrifying act. It describes deeds so morally repugnant and appalling that they provoke a visceral reaction of horror and revulsion. In the book of Jeremiah, it is used to characterize the profound spiritual adultery and deception of the prophets and people (Jeremiah 5:30, 18:13, 23:14). In Hosea 6:10, it specifically denotes the 'horrible thing' of Israel's faithlessness and treachery against God.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Hosea to condemn severe covenant-breaking behavior. Its usage consistently appears in contexts of divine accusation, highlighting the shocking and detestable nature of Israel's idolatry, false prophecy, and social corruption. All four occurrences (Jeremiah 5:30, 18:13, 23:14; Hosea 6:10) serve as God's ultimate indictment of the nation's betrayal, framing their actions not merely as mistakes but as atrocities against the covenant relationship.
Etymology
The noun שַׁעֲרוּרָה is derived from the root שָׁעַר (H8176), which relates to storming or raging, and is closely associated with the root שָׂעַר (H8175), meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be horrified.' This etymological connection directly ties the word to the concept of something that causes hair to stand on end or provokes a physical shudder of dread and terror, emphasizing the emotional and visceral impact of the acts it describes.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates God's perspective on sin within the covenant. It moves beyond legal transgression to describe sin as a shocking betrayal that horrifies the divine partner. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing the profound emotional weight and relational rupture caused by idolatry and falsehood, framing Israel's actions not just as disobedience but as a repulsive atrocity against a faithful God. It underscores the seriousness of covenant fidelity.
In its ancient Near Eastern context, the horror described by this word would be understood in relation to covenant treaties, where loyalty to the sovereign (human or divine) was paramount. An act labeled a שַׁעֲרוּרָה was the ultimate breach of trust and social order, akin to treason. This cultural understanding amplifies the biblical usage, showing that Israel's idolatry was not a private religious choice but a politically and socially shocking act of rebellion against their divine king.
תּוֹעֵבָה (tôʻêbâh, H8441) — a stronger, more ritual/legal term for an 'abomination,' often related to pagan practices. פֶּשַׁע (peshaʻ, H6588) — emphasizes 'transgression' or rebellion against authority. זִמָּה (zimmâh, H2154) — denotes a 'lewd' or 'shameful' plan, often with sexual connotations.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →