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.
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.
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.
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.
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