### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mêʼên**, represented by `{{H3987}}`, means to **refuse** and describes a **refractory** nature. Although it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, its meaning is significant, capturing the essence of willful and obstinate disobedience against divine instruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H3987}}` is found in a stark prophecy in Jeremiah. The verse describes an "evil people" `{{H5971}}` who are defined by their active choice to **refuse** to hear God's words `{{H1697}}`. This refusal is not passive; it is directly connected to their actions of walking `{{H1980}}` in the "imagination of their heart" `{{H8307}}` and pursuing idolatry by walking `{{H3212}}` after `{{H310}}` other `{{H312}}` gods `{{H430}}` to serve `{{H5647}}` and worship `{{H7812}}` them [[Jeremiah 13:10]]. This context frames the act of refusal as a foundational sin leading to further rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the gravity of being refractory:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently; often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.): This word represents the very thing being rejected. To **refuse** `{{H3987}}` is to deliberately reject the call to **shâmaʻ**, which is the basis for blessing and covenant relationship [[Deuteronomy 28:1]].
* `{{H8307}}` **shᵉrîyrûwth** (obstinacy; imagination, lust): This term describes the internal source of the refusal. The people in Jeremiah **refuse** God's word because they instead follow the **obstinacy** of their own evil heart [[Jeremiah 11:8]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk; in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively): This word signifies a way of life. Instead of walking in God's law [[Psalms 119:1]], those who **refuse** to hear Him choose to **walk** according to the imagination of their own hearts [[Jeremiah 13:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3987}}` centers on the deliberate nature of disobedience and its consequences.
* **Willful Opposition:** To **refuse** is an act of the will. It is a conscious decision to reject God's authority and His words `{{H1697}}`. This act is identified as a characteristic of an "evil people" `{{H7451}}` in [[Jeremiah 13:10]].
* **The Path of Self-Will:** The refusal to hear God is directly linked to following the "imagination of their heart" `{{H8307}}`. This establishes a clear dichotomy: one either listens to God or follows the path of personal obstinacy and desire [[Jeremiah 7:24]].
* **The Consequence of Refusal:** The verse where `{{H3987}}` appears concludes that those who refuse God's words will become like a girdle that is "good for nothing" [[Jeremiah 13:10]]. This indicates that rejecting God's guidance renders a person or people purposeless and subject to judgment.
### Summary
In summary, **mêʼên** `{{H3987}}` provides a concise and powerful term for being refractory and willfully disobedient. Though used only once, its context in [[Jeremiah 13:10]] illuminates a core biblical theme: the choice between hearing `{{H8085}}` God's word and stubbornly following the heart's own imagination `{{H8307}}`. This single word captures the pivotal act of rebellion that leads to idolatry and ultimate ruin.
TRV