or דֵּרָאוֹן; from an unused root (meaning to repulse); an object of aversion; abhorring, contempt.
Transliteration:dᵉrâʼôwn
Pronunciation:der-aw-one'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H1860 (דְּרָאוֹן, *dᵉrâʼôwn*) is derived from an unused root that conveys the meaning "to repulse." This etymological root suggests a forceful rejection or pushing away. Consequently, dᵉrâʼôwn signifies something that is intrinsically repulsive, an object of intense aversion, or that which evokes profound abhorrence and contempt. It denotes a state of being utterly detestable, inspiring a deep sense of revulsion that compels one to turn away. The term captures not merely dislike but a profound and visceral disgust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dᵉrâʼôwn is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice, both in contexts of divine judgment and eschatological destiny.
* **[[Isaiah 66:24]]**: "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."
Here, dᵉrâʼôwn describes the perpetual state of the corpses of the wicked. The imagery is graphic and visceral, portraying these remains as an enduring object of revulsion and disgust to "all flesh." The context is the ultimate judgment at the end of days, where the consequences of rebellion against God are made manifest in an eternally repulsive and horrifying condition. This verse emphasizes the complete and utter rejection of the unrighteous by God and, consequently, by humanity.
* **[[Daniel 12:2]]**: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
In this significant eschatological passage, dᵉrâʼôwn is paired with "shame" (חֶרְפָּה, `{{H2781}}`) and describes the eternal fate of those who do not awaken to everlasting life. It signifies a permanent condition of being an object of scorn, disgrace, and public ignominy. This is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring reality for the condemned, indicating a final, irreversible status of profound dishonor and detestation.
In both occurrences, dᵉrâʼôwn is intrinsically linked to the severe and ultimate consequences of sin and rebellion against God, resulting in an eternal state of abhorrence or contempt.
### Related Words & Concepts
While the specific root for dᵉrâʼôwn is unused elsewhere, the concept of repulsion and detestation resonates with several other Hebrew terms:
* **Words related to loathing or detestation:**
* `{{H8262}}` (שֶׁקֶץ, *šeqeṣ*): "detestable thing, abomination," often used for idolatry, unclean animals, or practices that are an offense to God's holiness.
* `{{H8441}}` (תּוֹעֵבָה, *tôʿēḇâ*): "abomination," frequently used for moral offenses, idolatry, or practices abhorrent to God's law.
* `{{H1606}}` (גָּעַל, *gāʿal*): "to loathe, abhor, reject," often describing God's rejection of His people due to their sin or their rejection of His statutes.
* **Concepts of shame and disgrace:**
* `{{H2781}}` (חֶרְפָּה, *ḥerpâ*): "reproach, shame, disgrace," which is directly paralleled with dᵉrâʼôwn in [[Daniel 12:2]]. This pairing underscores the public and enduring nature of the contempt.
* `{{H1322}}` (בּוּשׁ, *bûš*): "to be ashamed, confounded," often referring to the experience of humiliation or disappointment.
The common thread among these related terms and concepts is a profound negative judgment, leading to a state of being an object of extreme scorn, disgust, or rejection, often with significant moral and eschatological implications.
### Theological Significance
The extreme rarity of dᵉrâʼôwn in the Hebrew Bible highlights its profound and severe theological weight, as it is reserved for the ultimate, eschatological state of the unrighteous.
* **Divine Judgment and Repudiation:** The use of dᵉrâʼôwn in both [[Isaiah 66:24]] and [[Daniel 12:2]] points directly to the finality, severity, and comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon those who have rejected Him. It signifies not merely punishment, but a complete and utter repudiation, rendering the judged an eternal object of revulsion and contempt. This emphasizes the absolute separation between God and those who persist in rebellion.
* **God's Holiness and Purity:** The concept of something being an "abhorring" (dᵉrâʼôwn) implicitly underscores God's absolute holiness and purity. What is utterly repugnant to God is that which stands in complete opposition to His perfect character and righteous will. The state of dᵉrâʼôwn represents the antithesis of God's glory and the blessed, pure state of those in His presence.
* **Eternal Consequences:** Both biblical occurrences are situated within eschatological contexts, emphasizing the eternal nature of this contempt. It is not a temporary or transient state, but an everlasting condition, serving as a powerful and solemn warning about the ultimate destiny of those who persist in sin and rebellion against the Creator. The vivid imagery in Isaiah of unquenched fire and undying worms further intensifies the horror and eternal nature of this abhorrence.
* **Contrast with Glory and Life:** The dᵉrâʼôwn of the wicked stands in stark contrast to the glory, everlasting life, and righteousness promised to the faithful. This profound distinction underscores the radical divergence in eternal destinies, which are determined by one's relationship with God and obedience to His covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1860 (דְּרָאוֹן, *dᵉrâʼôwn*) signifies an object of profound aversion, abhorrence, or contempt, stemming from a root meaning "to repulse." It describes something utterly detestable that elicits a strong turning away. Its two rare occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, found in the eschatological passages of [[Isaiah 66:24]] and [[Daniel 12:2]], powerfully depict the ultimate fate of the wicked. In Isaiah, it refers to the perpetually repulsive corpses of transgressors, while in Daniel, it signifies the everlasting shame and contempt that awaits those who do not inherit eternal life. Theologically, dᵉrâʼôwn communicates the severity and finality of divine judgment, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the eternal, irreversible consequences of rebellion against Him. It serves as a stark contrast to the eternal life and glory promised to the righteous, underscoring the radical difference in ultimate destinies.
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