### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bôçer**, represented by `{{H1155}}`, refers to an **immature grape** or a **sour grape**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used both literally in an agricultural context and figuratively as the central element in a significant proverb concerning generational consequences and divine justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary use of `{{H1155}}` is within a proverb quoted in both Ezekiel and Jeremiah: "The fathers{H1} have eaten{H398} sour grapes{H1155}, and the children's{H1121} teeth{H8127} are set on edge{H6949}" ([[Ezekiel 18:2]]; [[Jeremiah 31:29]]). This saying is used to address the concept of inherited punishment. The scriptures then pivot to refute this idea, emphasizing personal accountability [[Jeremiah 31:30]]. In a different context, Isaiah uses the term to describe a ripening **sour grape** that is cut down with its branches{H5189} and sprigs{H2150} before the harvest{H7105}, serving as a metaphor for judgment executed before completion [[Isaiah 18:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning and use of **sour grape**:
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): Central to the proverb, as the **fathers** are the ones who eat the sour grapes, setting in motion the consequences debated in the text [[Ezekiel 18:2]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As the counterpart to father, the **son** or "children" are those who proverbially suffer the effects, having their teeth set on edge [[Jeremiah 31:29]].
* `{{H6949}}` **qâhâh** (to be set on edge): This verb describes the direct physical effect in the proverb, where eating the sour grape causes the teeth to **be set on edge**, a metaphor for an unpleasant consequence [[Ezekiel 18:2]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): The proverb about sour grapes is directly tied to the concept of **iniquity** and its punishment. Scripture clarifies that a person will die for their own **iniquity**, not for the actions of their father [[Jeremiah 31:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1155}}` is centered on the principle of individual accountability.
* **Generational Consequence:** The proverb "The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge" captures a perception of transmitted guilt or suffering across generations [[Jeremiah 31:29]]. It served as a common saying to explain suffering in Israel.
* **Divine Justice and Personal Responsibility:** The prophets use this imagery to declare a foundational shift in understanding God's justice. The new covenant promises a different reality: "every one shall die{H4191} for his own iniquity{H5771}: every man{H120} that eateth{H398} the sour grape{H1155}, his teeth{H8127} shall be set on edge{H6949}" [[Jeremiah 31:30]]. This directly refutes the proverb and establishes personal responsibility as the basis for judgment.
* **Imagery of Unfulfilled Judgment:** In Isaiah, the **sour grape** that is "ripening{H1580} in the flower{H5328}" before being cut down illustrates God's sovereign timing in judgment. It represents an intervention that occurs before a situation or entity reaches its full, mature state, cutting off potential at its root [[Isaiah 18:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1155}}` **bôçer** is a term that moves from a simple agricultural meaning to a profound theological metaphor. While literally an **immature grape**, its primary scriptural role is to serve as the key symbol in a proverb that God corrects. Through this image, the Bible transitions from a folk understanding of generational curses to the core theological doctrine of individual moral accountability. The **sour grape** becomes the vehicle for illustrating that each person is responsible for their own sin before God.
TRV