### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châlîylâh**, represented by `{{H2486}}`, is a powerful interjection expressing abhorrence, typically translated as **"far be it!"** or **"God forbid"**. It appears 21 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning "a profaned thing," this term is used to emphatically reject an action or thought as morally or theologically unacceptable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2486}}` serves as a declaration against injustice and a statement of profound conviction. Abraham uses it when pleading with God, arguing that it would be far from God's character to "slay the **righteous** `{{H6662}}` with the **wicked** `{{H7563}}`" [[Genesis 18:25]]. Similarly, David exclaims, "**Far be it** from me, O LORD, that I should do this," refusing to drink water brought at the risk of his men's lives, viewing it as their very blood [[2 Samuel 23:17]]. It is also used as a corporate declaration of loyalty, as when the people of Israel cry out, "**God forbid** that we should **forsake** `{{H5800}}` the LORD, to serve other gods" [[Joshua 24:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the concepts that trigger the use of this forceful expression:
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): This word for sinning is what Samuel vows to avoid, declaring, "**God forbid** that I should **sin** against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you" [[1 Samuel 12:23]].
* `{{H4775}}` **mârad** (to rebel): This term for rebellion is what the tribes east of the Jordan deny, stating, "**God forbid** that we should **rebel** against the LORD" [[Joshua 22:29]].
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (forsake): The people use this word when they commit to not abandoning God, proclaiming "**God forbid** that we should **forsake** the LORD" [[Joshua 24:16]].
* `{{H7562}}` **reshaʻ** (wickedness): Job's friends use `{{H2486}}` to affirm God's perfect justice, saying "**far be it** from God, that he should do **wickedness**" [[Job 34:10]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (destroy): Joab uses the term twice in succession to deny any intention to **destroy** a city in Israel, exclaiming, "**Far be it**, **far be it** from me, that I should swallow up or **destroy**" [[2 Samuel 20:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2486}}` is centered on establishing moral and divine boundaries.
* **Affirmation of God's Character:** The term is used to articulate actions that are utterly inconsistent with God's nature. It is **far** from God to do **wickedness** `{{H7562}}` or commit **iniquity** `{{H5766}}` [[Job 34:10]], or to treat the righteous and the wicked alike [[Genesis 18:25]].
* **Rejection of Sin and Disloyalty:** It functions as a solemn vow to avoid sinning against God or man. David uses it to recoil from harming the LORD's anointed ([[1 Samuel 24:6]], [[1 Samuel 26:11]]), and the people use it to reject any thought of rebellion against **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` [[Joshua 22:29]].
* **Defense of the Sacred:** The word protects what is divinely consecrated. Naboth refuses to give up his ancestral inheritance, declaring, "The LORD **forbid** it me" [[1 Kings 21:3]]. David also refuses to treat the life-blood of his men lightly, an act he considers profane [[1 Chronicles 11:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2486}}` is far more than a simple negation. It is an expression of holy horror, a verbal wall erected against any action deemed profane, unjust, or rebellious. It underscores a deep understanding of God's perfect character and serves as a powerful declaration of one's commitment to live in a way that honors Him, marking certain deeds as entirely unthinkable.
TRV