### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'abâh**, represented by `{{H14}}`, is a primitive root defined as "to breathe after, i.e. (figuratively) to be acquiescent; consent, rest content will, be willing." It appears 54 times across 52 unique verses in the Bible. This term fundamentally conveys the concept of willingness, consent, or a deliberate choice, often in contexts of refusal or obedience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H14}}` is frequently used to describe a lack of willingness or a direct refusal, particularly in relation to divine instruction or human enticement. For instance, in Isaiah, the Lord laments that "ye **would** `{{H14}}` not" hearken [[Isaiah 30:15]] or "hear `{{H8085}}` the law of the LORD" [[Isaiah 30:9]]. It also appears in scenarios where God himself chooses not to act in a destructive manner, often due to covenant promises, as seen when the LORD "would `{{H14}}` not destroy `{{H7843}}` them" for the sake of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [[2 Kings 13:23]] or David ([[2 Chronicles 21:7]], [[2 Kings 8:19]]). In human interactions, `{{H14}}` signifies a refusal to comply or consent, such as when an armourbearer "would `{{H14}}` not" harm Saul ([[1 Samuel 31:4]], [[1 Chronicles 10:4]]), or when Benjamin's tribesmen "would `{{H14}}` not hearken `{{H8085}}`" to their brethren [[Judges 20:13]]. The term is also used in Proverbs to warn against yielding to sin: "if sinners entice thee, **consent** `{{H14}}` thou not" [[Proverbs 1:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the various facets of `ʼâbâh`:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently, obey): This term is almost invariably linked with `{{H14}}` when describing disobedience or compliance. The frequent pairing of "would `{{H14}}` not hearken `{{H8085}}`" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 23:5]], [[Psalms 81:11]], [[Ezekiel 3:7]]) emphasizes that an unwillingness of the heart `{{H14}}` directly leads to a failure to obey or listen `{{H8085}}`.
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to ruin, destroy): `{{H14}}` often precedes this word to express divine forbearance, as when the LORD "would `{{H14}}` not destroy `{{H7843}}`" Judah [[2 Kings 8:19]] or Israel [[Deuteronomy 10:10]] due to His covenant or mercy. This highlights divine willingness to restrain destruction.
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (to forsake, relinquish): While `{{H14}}` indicates a lack of will or consent, `{{H5800}}` denotes the act of abandoning or leaving. In Ezekiel, the people's unwillingness `{{H14}}` to hearken is directly connected to their failure to "cast away" and "forsake `{{H5800}}`" their abominations [[Ezekiel 20:8]].
* `{{H8251}}` **shiqqûwts** (disgusting, idolatrous, abomination): This term often represents the objects or practices that people are unwilling to abandon. For example, the people's refusal to hearken `{{H14}}` in [[Ezekiel 20:8]] is explicitly tied to their not casting away their "abominations `{{H8251}}`".
* `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to imbibe, drink): In specific narrative contexts, `{{H14}}` describes a literal refusal to drink, such as when David's mighty men "would `{{H14}}` not drink `{{H8354}}` it" ([[2 Samuel 23:17]], [[1 Chronicles 11:19]]), highlighting a personal act of will or refusal.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H14}}` primarily centers on the concepts of divine will, human volition, and the consequences of moral choice.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Patience:** The repeated phrase "the LORD would `{{H14}}` not destroy `{{H7843}}`" ([[2 Kings 13:23]], [[2 Chronicles 21:7]], [[Deuteronomy 10:10]]) underscores God's gracious will to preserve His people and uphold His covenants, even in the face of their disobedience. It demonstrates His active choice *not* to bring about full ruin.
* **Human Rebellion and Responsibility:** More commonly, `{{H14}}` highlights humanity's persistent refusal to obey or consent to God's commands. This is evident in statements like "ye would `{{H14}}` not hearken `{{H8085}}`" ([[Deuteronomy 23:5]], [[Isaiah 28:12]]) or "Israel would `{{H14}}` none of me" [[Psalms 81:11]]. This demonstrates a deliberate act of will against divine instruction, leading to consequences.
* **The Nature of Sin:** The usage of `{{H14}}` in contexts of "would not hearken `{{H8085}}`" to the law ([[Isaiah 30:9]], [[Isaiah 42:24]]) or to God Himself [[Ezekiel 3:7]] portrays sin not merely as a mistake, but as an active, conscious **unwillingness** to align with divine will. This refusal extends to not abandoning abominations [[Ezekiel 20:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H14}}` **'abâh** is a crucial term that conveys the dynamic of **willingness** or, more frequently in the biblical narrative, **unwillingness** and refusal. It delineates the sphere of deliberate choice, whether divine or human. When applied to God, it highlights His covenant faithfulness and restraint from destruction. When applied to humanity, it often underscores rebellion and a profound resistance to hearing and obeying God's voice, thereby revealing the volitional core of both divine grace and human sin.
TRV