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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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