The Hebrew word gôʻal, represented by H1604, translates to abhorrence or loathing. This potent term is derived from the root word for abhorrence. It is a rare word, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, making its singular context highly significant.
The sole appearance of H1604 is in Ezekiel 16:5, which describes the miserable state of a newborn infant. The verse illustrates a scene of complete abandonment, where the child was cast out in an open field on the day it was born. This was done "to the lothing of thy person" because no eye would pity or have compassion on it Ezekiel 16:5. The use of gôʻal here conveys a visceral sense of rejection and being utterly despised from the moment of birth.
The concept of loathing is contrasted and clarified by several related words found in its immediate context:
- H2347 chûwç (pity, spare): This word represents the compassion that was absent in the scene. Ezekiel 16:5 states that no eye pitied the infant, a condition later mirrored in God's judgment where His eye will not spare because of abominations Ezekiel 5:11.
- H2550 châmal (have compassion, spare): Similar to pity, this term for compassion was not extended to the abandoned child Ezekiel 16:5. Its positive use is seen when God promises to spare His people as a man spareth his own son Malachi 3:17.
- H7993 shâlak (throw out, cast away): This is the action resulting from the loathing, as the infant was cast out into the field Ezekiel 16:5. This same word is used in a plea to God, "Cast me not away from thy presence" Psalms 51:11, highlighting the desperation of being rejected.
- H5315 nephesh (person, soul, life): This is the object of the loathing, the very person or life of the infant Ezekiel 16:5. The value of a soul is emphasized elsewhere in the command to keep thy soul diligently Deuteronomy 4:9.
The theological weight of H1604 is centered on the themes of utter rejection and the nature of compassion.
- A State of Utter Hopelessness: The word describes a condition of being completely abhorred and discarded at birth. This state is defined by a total lack of human pity H2347 or compassion H2550, as depicted in Ezekiel 16:5.
- The Consequence of Rejection: The act of being cast out H7993 is the direct result of this loathing. This physical and social rejection is a powerful metaphor for spiritual separation, a state where one is cast away from favor and presence.
- Contrast with Divine Compassion: The feeling of gôʻal stands in stark opposition to God's character. While judgment can lead to a state where God does not spare or have pity Ezekiel 5:11, His nature is to have compassion on His people Micah 7:19 and to sustain those who cast their burdens upon Him Psalms 55:22.
In summary, H1604 gôʻal is a uniquely powerful term that, despite its single use, conveys a profound sense of loathing and abandonment. Its context in Ezekiel 16:5 paints a vivid picture of a life deemed worthless from its first day. This intense depiction of rejection serves to magnify the opposing biblical themes of divine pity, compassion, and the ultimate value God places on a human soul.
TRV