a primitive root; to be rancid, i.e. (transitively) to loathe; abhor.
Transliteration:zâham
Pronunciation:zaw-ham'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2092}}` (zâham) is a primitive root, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible. Its core meaning conveys the idea "to be rancid," suggesting a state of decay, putrefaction, or extreme unpleasantness, particularly in smell or taste. From this literal sense, it extends to a transitive, figurative meaning: "to loathe" or "to abhor." This denotes a profound sense of disgust, revulsion, and utter rejection. The word implies an intense aversion, a visceral reaction to something deemed offensive, morally repugnant, or utterly unacceptable. Its singular occurrence underscores its potency, reserving it for a particularly strong expression of contempt or disgust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of `{{H2092}}` (zâham) is found in [[Ezekiel 16:45]]. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a scathing indictment against Jerusalem, personified as an unfaithful wife. The verse reads: "You are the daughter of your mother who loathed her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters who loathed their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite."
Here, `{{H2092}}` is used twice to describe the actions of the "mother" (Samaria/Israel) and the "sisters" (Sodom), and by extension, Jerusalem herself. The word "loathed" (תִּזְהַם, *tizham*) signifies their utter contempt and rejection of their covenantal and familial bonds. It is not merely dislike, but a deep-seated revulsion that leads to the abandonment of sacred relationships. This loathing is presented as a characteristic of their profound unfaithfulness and moral degradation. The context highlights Jerusalem's spiritual adultery and idolatry, portraying her as even more abominable than Samaria and Sodom, precisely because she has adopted and amplified their wicked ways, including this specific act of abhorrence towards fundamental relationships. The use of `{{H2092}}` emphasizes the depth of their moral decay and the severity of their treachery in God's eyes.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its rarity, `{{H2092}}` (zâham) does not have many direct lexical relatives. However, its meaning aligns with a semantic field of words expressing strong negative emotions, particularly disgust, abhorrence, and rejection. Conceptually, it overlaps with:
* `{{H8581}}` (ta'ab): To abhor, detest. This is a very common word used to describe God's detestation of idolatry, injustice, and various abominations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:26]], [[Proverbs 15:26]]). While `{{H8581}}` is broader and more frequently used for moral and ritual impurity, `{{H2092}}` might imply a more visceral, "rancid" quality to the object of abhorrence.
* `{{H6973}}` (qûṭ): To loathe, feel disgust, be weary of. Often used in the context of being disgusted with food (e.g., [[Numbers 21:5]]) or with life itself (e.g., [[Job 10:1]]). It can also describe God's weariness with Israel's actions (e.g., [[Psalm 95:10]]).
* `{{H1606}}` (gâ'al): To abhor, reject, spurn. This word often carries the nuance of defilement or contamination, leading to rejection (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:43]], [[Lamentations 2:7]]).
`{{H2092}}` stands out for its root meaning of "rancid," suggesting a particularly foul and putrid quality to the object of loathing. It paints a vivid picture of something so morally decayed that it evokes profound disgust, perhaps even more intensely than some of its conceptual kin.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H2092}}` (zâham) in [[Ezekiel 16:45]] carries significant theological weight, even though it describes human action rather than God's direct abhorrence. By using this term within a divine indictment, the prophet reveals God's perspective on the depth of Israel's unfaithfulness.
1. **The Gravity of Covenant Unfaithfulness**: The word describes the spiritual "rancidness" of Israel's actions. Their "loathing" of their covenant "husband" (Yahweh) and "children" (the covenant community) reflects a profound betrayal. It signifies a complete breakdown of loyalty and affection, replaced by a visceral rejection. This highlights the severity with which God views spiritual adultery and the abandonment of His covenant.
2. **God's Perspective on Sin**: While the verse states that the women loathed their family, the very fact that God uses such a strong, visceral term ("rancid," "abhor") to describe their behavior indicates how repugnant their actions are in His holy sight. Their sin is not merely a transgression but something deeply offensive, morally decayed, and utterly detestable to God. It reveals that certain sins evoke a sense of disgust and revulsion from the divine.
3. **The Depth of Moral Degradation**: The term underscores the extreme moral degradation of Jerusalem. To "loathe" one's own family, particularly in a covenantal context, signifies a complete perversion of natural affection and divine order. It shows how far the people had fallen, becoming worse than their notorious predecessors.
In essence, `{{H2092}}` serves as a powerful descriptor of the moral putrefaction that characterized Israel's unfaithfulness, revealing the intense displeasure and revulsion God feels towards such deep-seated sin and betrayal.
### Summary
`{{H2092}}` (zâham) is a rare but potent Hebrew root meaning "to be rancid" and, transitively, "to loathe" or "to abhor." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 16:45]] vividly describes the profound disgust and rejection exhibited by unfaithful Israel (personified as a wife and daughters) towards their covenantal relationships. This word underscores the extreme depth of their moral decay and spiritual adultery. Theologically, while describing human action, its use within a divine indictment reveals God's own intense revulsion towards such unfaithfulness and betrayal. It portrays sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness, as something truly "rancid" and utterly detestable in the eyes of a holy God.
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