### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼûwth**, represented by `{{H225}}`, is a primitive root that means to **assent; consent**. It is a rare term, appearing only **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Old Testament. Its meaning centers on the idea of agreement or coming to terms with a proposal or condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H225}}` is primarily used to frame a conditional agreement. In the narrative of Dinah, the sons of Jacob state they will **consent** to the Shechemites' proposal only if every male among them is circumcised [[Genesis 34:15]]. This agreement is reiterated, highlighting that the men would **consent** to dwell with them and become one people under this condition [[Genesis 34:22]]. The Shechemites also deliberate, urging their people to **consent** to the terms to acquire the Israelites' livestock and substance [[Genesis 34:23]]. A different context is found in 2 Kings, where the priests **consented** to a new policy to no longer receive money from the people for temple repairs, shifting the responsibility [[2 Kings 12:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the situations where **consent** is required:
* `{{H4135}}` **mûwl** (to circumcise): This physical act was the non-negotiable term for consent in Genesis 34. It is the core command of the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham, requiring that every male child **be circumcised** [[Genesis 17:10]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to remain): The purpose of the consent sought in Genesis was for the two peoples to **dwell** together. This term carries a sense of permanence and settlement, such as the desire to **dwell** in the house of the LORD all the days of one's life [[Psalms 27:4]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to repair, be strong): This word is linked to the priests' consent in 2 Kings, where they agreed to a new plan to **repair** the breaches of the house of the LORD, a task for which they needed to be strengthened [[2 Kings 12:8]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H225}}` highlights key principles regarding human agreements and commitments.
* **Conditional Agreements:** The primary use of **ʼûwth** is to establish agreements that are contingent upon specific actions. The consent of Jacob's sons was entirely dependent on the Shechemites' willingness to be circumcised [[Genesis 34:15]], demonstrating that fellowship and union can have strict prerequisites.
* **Transactional Nature of Consent:** In both major contexts, consent is linked to a transaction. The Shechemites calculated that consenting would result in gaining the Israelites' cattle{H4735} and substance{H7075} [[Genesis 34:23]]. Similarly, the priests consented to a new financial arrangement for the temple [[2 Kings 12:8]], showing that assent can be a practical or strategic decision.
* **Unity and Identity:** The agreement in Genesis aimed for the two groups to become "one{H259} people{H5971}" [[Genesis 34:22]]. This shows that consent can be a mechanism for merging identities, though the narrative reveals the tragic failure of an agreement not based on true righteousness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H225}}` **ʼûwth** captures the specific act of **consenting** or assenting to a proposition. Although used only a few times, its appearances in scripture are pivotal, marking critical turning points in negotiations. Whether in the context of a tense family negotiation to become one people [[Genesis 34:22]] or an administrative decision by priests regarding temple funds [[2 Kings 12:8]], the word underscores that agreements are built on clearly stated and accepted terms.
TRV