### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâçûwr**, represented by `{{H3249}}`, signifies the act of **departing** or identifies **they that depart**. Its singular appearance in scripture, occurring just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, makes its context highly specific. The term is derived from the root `{{H5493}}` `çûwr`, meaning to turn off, either literally or figuratively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H3249}}` is used to describe those who turn away from God. The verse states that **"they that depart"** from the LORD will face a specific consequence: they "shall be written in the earth" [[Jeremiah 17:13]]. This act of departing is directly linked to forsaking the LORD, who is identified as "the hope of Israel" and "the fountain of living waters" in the same passage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequence of departing:
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off... depart... rebel... turn aside): As the root of `yâçûwr`, this verb signifies the action of turning away. It is used in the same verse to specify that the departure is "from me," referring to the LORD [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (to... forsake... leave): This word runs parallel to the act of departing. It is used to describe those who "**forsake**" the LORD, emphasizing a deliberate choice to leave Him [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
* `{{H4726}}` **mâqôwr** (fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring)): This term illustrates what is abandoned. Those who depart are leaving "the **fountain** of living waters," a direct reference to the LORD as the source of life [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3249}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage:
* **The Consequence of Apostasy:** To depart from the LORD is to face a specific judgment. Those who do are "written{H3789} in the earth{H776}," a fate that signifies a destiny tied to the temporary and mortal realm [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
* **Abandoning the Source of Life:** The act of departing is portrayed as turning away from the very source of existence. The LORD is described as "the fountain{H4726} of living{H2416} waters{H4325}," so leaving Him is a choice for spiritual desolation over divine sustenance [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
* **The Inevitability of Shame:** Departing from God is directly linked with being "**ashamed**{H954}." This is the outcome for those who forsake the LORD, who is identified as "the hope{H4723} of Israel{H3478}," implying that turning away from the only true source of hope leads to ultimate disappointment [[Jeremiah 17:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **yâçûwr** `{{H3249}}` is more than just a word for departing. Though used only once, it captures the core biblical concept of apostasy. It defines not merely a physical movement, but a spiritual turning away from the LORD, who is the "hope of Israel" and the "fountain of living waters." The use of this word in [[Jeremiah 17:13]] serves as a stark warning, linking the act of departing from God to the ultimate consequences of shame and a transient legacy "written in the earth."
TRV