presumed to be from an unused root meaning to bear guilt; crime; [idiom] strange.
Transliteration:vâzâr
Pronunciation:vaw-zawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term וָזָר (vâzâr), Strong's `{{H2054}}`, presents a unique challenge to the lexicographer due to its presumed derivation from an "unused root." This etymological uncertainty contributes to its somewhat dualistic semantic range. The base definition suggests two primary facets: "crime" or "bearing guilt," and "strange" or "alien." These two meanings, while seemingly disparate, can be understood as interconnected, where a "crime" or state of "guilt" might render one "strange" or "alienated" from a community or norm. The Strong's entry also notes an idiomatic usage, suggesting that its meaning might be contextually nuanced beyond a simple literal translation. The core concept revolves around a state of being an outsider, either due to a perceived transgression or simply an inherent otherness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term וָזָר (vâzâr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, which further underscores the importance of its singular context for understanding its meaning. This sole occurrence is found in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 19:15]]**: "My guests and my female servants count me as a stranger (וָזָר); I am an alien in their sight."
In this profound lament, Job expresses the depth of his isolation and abandonment. He is not merely ignored; he is actively perceived and treated as a וָזָר, an alien or stranger, by those who should be closest to him – his household and even his transient guests. The context here strongly favors the meaning of "strange" or "alien" rather than "crime" in a direct sense. Job's friends and servants have, in effect, ostracized him, treating him as one who does not belong, perhaps implying that his suffering marks him as someone cursed or guilty, thus making him an outsider. The verse highlights the psychological and social torment inflicted upon Job, where his very identity and belonging are stripped away, leaving him feeling utterly estranged in his own home. This usage powerfully conveys the pain of being regarded as foreign and unwelcome by those who once knew him intimately.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence and uncertain root of `{{H2054}}`, direct linguistic cognates are difficult to ascertain. However, we can explore conceptual relationships based on its dual semantic range:
* **For "Strange/Alien":** This meaning connects to a broader biblical vocabulary for those who are outsiders or foreigners. Terms like נֵכָר (nēḵār, `{{H5237}}`), meaning "foreign" or "alien," and גֵּר (gēr, `{{H1616}}`), referring to a "sojourner" or "resident alien," share a conceptual space with וָזָר. While וָזָר in [[Job 19:15]] speaks more to a state of being *treated* as an alien within one's own sphere, these other terms denote a more objective status. The concept of being "estranged" or "cut off" from one's community, often due to sin or judgment, is also relevant, linking to verbs like נָכַר (nāḵar, `{{H5234}}`) "to be estranged" or "to treat as foreign."
* **For "Crime/Guilt":** This aspect of the definition aligns with the extensive biblical lexicon concerning sin, transgression, and iniquity. Words such as חַטָּאת (ḥaṭṭāʾt, `{{H2403}}`) "sin," פֶּשַׁע (pešaʿ, `{{H6588}}`) "transgression," and עָוֹן (ʿāwōn, `{{H5771}}`) "iniquity" represent the various facets of moral failing and guilt. While וָזָר itself does not directly denote the act of sin in [[Job 19:15]], the implication that Job is treated as an alien *because of perceived guilt* (by his friends, though not by God) creates a conceptual bridge. The idea of bearing guilt or being marked by a "crime" can lead to a state of being וָזָר in the eyes of others.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of וָזָר (vâzâr) in the book of Job carries profound theological weight, primarily highlighting themes of **suffering, alienation, and misjudgment**.
1. **The Depth of Suffering:** Job's lament in [[Job 19:15]] reveals that physical affliction is only one dimension of his agony. The experience of being treated as a וָזָר by his own household underscores the profound psychological and social torment that accompanies his physical pain. True suffering, in the biblical narrative, often extends beyond the body to encompass the soul's isolation and the breakdown of human relationships.
2. **Alienation and Ostracism:** The use of וָזָר emphasizes Job's complete alienation. He is not merely alone; he is actively perceived as an outsider, someone who does not belong. This speaks to the human tendency to distance oneself from those who suffer greatly, often out of fear, discomfort, or a simplistic theological framework that equates suffering with sin. The innocent sufferer becomes a וָזָר because their experience challenges conventional understanding.
3. **Misjudgment and False Accusation:** The friends and servants of Job, operating under a retributive theology, implicitly (or explicitly, in the case of the friends) view Job's suffering as evidence of his sin. By treating him as a וָזָר, they are effectively pronouncing him guilty and cutting him off. This highlights a critical theological tension in Job: the righteous individual suffering unjustly, being condemned and alienated by those who presume to understand divine justice. Job's status as וָזָר is a testament to the pain of being misunderstood and falsely accused, even by one's closest associates.
4. **Humanity's Vulnerability:** The term וָזָר in this context reminds us of the fragility of human belonging and the devastating impact of social exclusion. It underscores the deep human need for community and acceptance, and the profound trauma inflicted when these are withdrawn.
### Summary
The Hebrew word וָזָר (vâzâr, `{{H2054}}`), though rare, is a potent term whose precise etymology is uncertain, stemming from a presumed unused root. Its semantic range encompasses both "crime" or "bearing guilt" and, more prominently in its sole biblical occurrence, "strange" or "alien." Found exclusively in [[Job 19:15]], וָזָר powerfully describes Job's profound experience of being treated as an outsider and alien by his own household, emblematic of his total social and psychological isolation amidst his suffering. This usage highlights the devastating impact of alienation and misjudgment, where the innocent sufferer is perceived as guilty and consequently ostracized. Conceptually, it relates to ideas of foreignness and estrangement, as well as the consequences of perceived transgression. Theologically, וָזָר in Job underscores the depths of human suffering, the pain of social ostracism, and the tragic irony of the righteous being condemned and alienated by those who misunderstand divine justice.
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