דְּרָאוֹן

דְּרָאוֹן

an object of aversion

Definition

The Hebrew word דְּרָאוֹן (dᵉrâʼôwn) refers to something that is an object of extreme aversion, disgust, or contempt. It describes a state of being utterly repulsive or abhorrent, often in a context of divine judgment. In its two biblical occurrences, it is used to depict the final, desecrated state of the wicked after death. In Isaiah 66:24, the corpses of those who rebelled against God are called an 'abhorrence' to all flesh, a lasting spectacle of the consequences of sin. Similarly, in Daniel 12:2, the resurrected wicked will awake to 'shame and everlasting contempt' (דְּרָאוֹן), highlighting their permanent, dishonorable condition.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in prophetic, eschatological contexts. It appears in Isaiah 66:24 and Daniel 12:2, describing the ultimate fate of the unrighteous. In both passages, it is paired with imagery of death, resurrection, and final judgment. The usage is consistent: it signifies not just temporary disgust but an enduring state of being an object of loathing, particularly as a result of God's definitive judgment.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to repulse' or 'to reject.' The noun form דְּרָאוֹן carries the sense of that which causes repulsion. It is related to the idea of casting away or regarding with extreme disfavor. The alternate spelling דֵּרָאוֹן points to the same core meaning of something abhorrent.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it provides a stark Hebrew term for the eternal destiny of the wicked. It moves beyond simple punishment to describe a state of perpetual shame and rejection. Understanding דְּרָאוֹן enriches the reading of key eschatological passages by emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the completeness of God's final judgment. It contrasts sharply with the promise of eternal life for the righteous, underscoring the ultimate dichotomy in biblical prophecy. In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, shame and public contempt were powerful social forces. To be an object of דְּרָאוֹון was to be utterly ostracized and without honor. The prophetic use of this term for the afterlife would have communicated a fate worse than physical death—a permanent, irreversible state of disgrace and rejection, both by God and the community of the righteous. תּוֹעֵבָה (tôʿēbâ, H8441) — focuses on something abominable or ritually detestable, often in a moral or religious sense. שִׁקּוּץ (shiqqûts, H8251) — denotes a detested thing, often an idol or something associated with pagan worship, implying ritual pollution.

Word Details