### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâraṭ**, represented by `{{H3399}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to precipitate or hurl (rush) headlong; (intransitively) to be rash; be perverse, turn over**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, making each instance significant in its context. The term conveys a sense of sudden, forceful action, either as a character flaw or a divine act of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its first appearance, the angel `{{H4397}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` confronts Balaam, declaring his way is **perverse** `{{H3399}}` [[Numbers 22:32]]. Here, the word describes a path or course of action that is rash and in opposition to the divine will. In the book of Job, the meaning shifts to being acted upon. Job cries out that God has delivered `{{H5462}}` him to the ungodly `{{H5760}}` and **turned me over** `{{H3399}}` into the hands of the wicked `{{H7563}}` [[Job 16:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H3399}}`:
* `{{H4397}}` **mălʼâk** (a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel): This is the divine being who identifies a human path as perverse. The **angel** `{{H4397}}` of the LORD appears in a flame of fire in the book of Exodus [[Exodus 3:2]].
* `{{H5462}}` **çâgar** (to shut up; figuratively, to surrender): This word is used in parallel with `yâraṭ` in Job's lament, emphasizing a sense of being handed over. David expresses confidence that the LORD will **deliver** `{{H5462}}` Goliath into his hand [[1 Samuel 17:46]].
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person): This term describes the destination of one who is "turned over," defining the state of those who oppose God. The psalmist declares that the LORD upholds the righteous, but the arms of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` will be broken [[Psalms 37:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3399}}` is concentrated in its two powerful applications:
* **Perversity as Opposition:** The word defines a way of life or a specific action that is so contrary to God's will that it warrants direct divine intervention. The angel of the LORD `{{H4397}}` stands to oppose Balaam because his way is **perverse** [[Numbers 22:32]].
* **Divine Surrender:** In a context of suffering, `{{H3399}}` is used to express the feeling of being hurled headlong or "turned over" by God into the power of the wicked `{{H7563}}`. This is seen in Job’s lament, where he feels God has actively **turned me over** [[Job 16:11]] to the ungodly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3399}}` captures a potent and violent concept. Whether describing a man's **perverse** way that invites judgment or God's action of **turning** someone **over** to the hands of the wicked, it signifies a decisive and often destructive movement. Its rarity in scripture underlines the severity of the situations it describes.
TRV