a primitive root meaning to push aside, i.e.; reject, forsake, fail; cast away (off), remove far away (off).
Transliteration:zânach
Pronunciation:zaw-nakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2186, *zânach* (זָנַח), is a primitive root whose core meaning denotes a forceful physical action: "to push aside," "to shove away," or "to thrust out." From this concrete sense, its semantic range expands metaphorically to encompass a decisive act of separation or renunciation. Key derived meanings include "to reject," "to forsake," "to abandon," "to cast off," and "to remove far away." The word often implies a deliberate and decisive act, frequently carrying connotations of displeasure, anger, or a withdrawal of favor, presence, or support on the part of the one performing the action. It suggests a definitive break in a relationship or a cessation of involvement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *zânach* appears approximately 20 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical books and the Psalms, with significant occurrences in prophetic literature. Its usage consistently highlights a profound act of rejection or abandonment, often with God as the subject and His people or their leaders as the object.
* **Divine Rejection of Israel/Judah:** A prominent use of *zânach* describes God "casting off" or "forsaking" His people due to their sin and covenant unfaithfulness. For instance, [[2 Kings 17:20]] states that the Lord "rejected all the descendants of Israel" because of their idolatry. Similarly, the Psalms lament God's apparent abandonment: "Why have you rejected us forever, O God?" ([[Psalm 74:1]]), and "You have cast us off and put us to shame" ([[Psalm 44:9]]). This casting off signifies a withdrawal of divine protection, favor, and presence, often leading to national defeat, exile, or suffering.
* **Divine Rejection of Kings:** God uses *zânach* to describe His rejection of disobedient kings. The most notable example is God's declaration to Saul through Samuel: "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you from being king" ([[1 Samuel 15:23]], also [[1 Samuel 15:26]]). This illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience to divine commands.
* **Divine Rejection of Sacred Objects/Practices:** In [[Lamentations 2:7]], the Lord is depicted as having "spurned his altar, cast off his sanctuary," indicating a divine withdrawal from places and practices that had become defiled or offered hypocritically.
* **Human Rejection of God/His Law:** While less frequent with human subjects, *zânach* can also describe humanity's act of rejecting God or His ways. In [[Jeremiah 7:29]], Judah is called to "cut off your hair and cast it away," a symbolic act of mourning and desolation, reflecting their rejection of God's counsel. This highlights human culpability in breaking the covenant.
* **Lament and Plea:** The use of *zânach* in the Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 60:1]], [[Psalm 74:1]], [[Psalm 89:38]]) often expresses the deep distress and spiritual anguish of those who feel abandoned by God. These laments are frequently accompanied by fervent prayers for God to remember His covenant and restore His favor, indicating that the "casting off" is not necessarily perceived as final or without hope of reversal.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms:**
* `{{H3988}}` (*mā'as*): "to reject," "to despise," "to refuse." This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with *zânach* in contexts of divine rejection (e.g., [[1 Samuel 15:23]] uses both *zânach* and *mā'as*). While *zânach* emphasizes the *act* of pushing away, *mā'as* often highlights the contempt or disdain underlying the rejection.
* `{{H5203}}` (*nātash*): "to abandon," "to forsake," "to leave." While similar, *nātash* can be a more neutral act of leaving, whereas *zânach* implies a more forceful and often negative act of rejection.
* `{{H7971}}` (*shālakh*): "to cast," "to throw." This is a broader term for casting, but can overlap in meaning when the object is "cast off" or "thrown away."
* `{{H5186}}` (*nā'ats*): "to spurn," "to despise," "to treat with contempt." Focuses more on the attitude of scorn.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:**
* `{{H3259}}` (*yāsaph*): "to add," "to continue," implying sustained presence or favor.
* `{{H2620}}` (*chāsah*): "to take refuge," "to trust," implying seeking and finding divine protection.
* `{{H7725}}` (*shuv*): "to return," "to restore," often used in the context of God turning back to His people.
* **Key Concepts:** Covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness, divine judgment, apostasy, abandonment, spiritual desolation, divine wrath, repentance, restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *zânach* is profound, touching upon core aspects of the biblical understanding of God, humanity, and their relationship.
* **God's Justice and Sovereignty:** The frequent portrayal of God as the one who "casts off" underscores His absolute sovereignty and His unwavering justice. When God rejects, it is not arbitrary but a righteous response to human sin, rebellion, and covenant infidelity. This highlights that God takes sin seriously and will not indefinitely tolerate disobedience ([[2 Kings 17:20]]).
* **The Conditional Nature of the Old Covenant:** *Zânach* vividly illustrates the conditional blessings of the Old Covenant. While God's ultimate promises to Abraham and David were unconditional, His active presence, protection, and favor with Israel were contingent upon their obedience. When Israel broke the covenant, God's "casting off" was a severe form of discipline, often leading to national calamity, exile, and suffering, intended to bring about repentance.
* **Human Responsibility and Rebellion:** When humans "cast off" God's law or His presence, it signifies a profound act of rebellion and a deliberate refusal to acknowledge divine authority. This is a turning away from the source of life and blessing, a self-inflicted spiritual wound.
* **The Depth of Spiritual Anguish:** The psalmist's laments using *zânach* reveal the immense pain, confusion, and spiritual desolation that comes from feeling abandoned by God. This experience, though terrifying, often serves as a catalyst for deeper introspection, repentance, and a renewed yearning for God's presence. Even in the depths of feeling "cast off," there is often an underlying plea for God's enduring mercy and faithfulness ([[Psalm 89:38-49]]).
* **Prophetic Warning and Hope:** Prophets utilized *zânach* to warn Israel of impending judgment if they persisted in their sin, emphasizing the gravity of their actions. Yet, even in these warnings, the possibility of repentance and God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises often provided a glimmer of hope for future restoration, implying that divine rejection, though severe, was not always final.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H2186, *zânach* (זָנַח), conveys the forceful and definitive action of "pushing aside" or "casting off," extending metaphorically to "reject," "forsake," and "abandon." Primarily, it describes God's righteous judgment against His people or their leaders due to covenant unfaithfulness, as seen when He "casts off" Israel ([[2 Kings 17:20]]) or King Saul ([[1 Samuel 15:23]]). It also appears in laments, expressing the profound distress of feeling abandoned by God ([[Psalm 44:9]]). Conversely, it can describe humanity's rebellious act of "casting off" God's commands ([[Jeremiah 7:29]]). Theologically, *zânach* powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty and justice in responding to sin, the conditional nature of the Old Covenant's blessings, and the deep spiritual pain of divine withdrawal, while implicitly pointing to the enduring hope for restoration and God's ultimate faithfulness despite temporary rejection.
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