### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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