### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5010}}` (נָאַר, *nâʼar*) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to reject." Its semantic range extends to "abhor" and "make void," implying a decisive and active renunciation. Unlike a passive dislike or simple withdrawal, *nâʼar* denotes a forceful turning away, a dismissal, or an act that renders something null and ineffective. It conveys a strong sense of disassociation and contempt, indicating that something previously held in esteem or relevance is now cast off as worthless or offensive. The action is not merely observational but performative, actively negating the status or value of the object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5010}}` (נָאַר, *nâʼar*) is remarkably rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing as a finite verb only once. This singular occurrence is found in the book of Lamentations:
* **[[Lamentations 2:7]]**: "The Lord has cast off His altar, He has abhorred His sanctuary; He has given up into the hand of the enemy The walls of her palaces."
In this profound and sorrowful lament, the prophet Jeremiah describes the devastating consequences of Judah's sin and God's subsequent judgment. The use of `{{H5010}}` here is striking: "He has *abhorred* (וַיְנָאֵר, *wayyina'ēr*) His sanctuary." This is not merely a passive abandonment, but an active, visceral rejection of the very place where God's presence was manifested and where His people met with Him. The parallel with "cast off His altar" (`{{H2186}}`, *zanak*) reinforces the severity of the divine action. For God to "abhor" His own sanctuary underscores the depth of the people's transgression and the purity of God's holiness, which cannot tolerate such defilement. It signifies a complete withdrawal of divine favor and protection, leaving the sacred space vulnerable to desecration by the enemy, a truly catastrophic outcome for a people whose identity was intricately linked to the Temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by `{{H5010}}` resonates with other Hebrew terms related to rejection, loathing, and destruction, though often with distinct nuances.
* `{{H2186}}` (זָנַח, *zanak*): "to cast off, reject, abandon." This word is used in parallel with `{{H5010}}` in [[Lamentations 2:7]], suggesting a close semantic relationship, both indicating a forceful dismissal.
* `{{H936}}` (בָּזָה, *bazah*): "to despise, disdain." While *bazah* indicates a contemptuous attitude, *nâʼar* implies a more active, decisive act of rejection resulting from that contempt.
* `{{H6973}}` (קוּץ, *quts*): "to loathe, abhor." This verb often describes a strong emotional revulsion, similar to the feeling that might precede the act of "abhorring" described by `{{H5010}}`.
* `{{H5203}}` (נָטַשׁ, *naṭash*): "to abandon, forsake." While *naṭash* can imply leaving something behind, *nâʼar* suggests a more active and intentional act of nullification or rendering void.
The rarity of `{{H5010}}` might suggest it conveys a particularly intense and ultimate form of rejection, perhaps reserved for situations of profound covenant breach that provoke divine wrath to its uttermost.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H5010}}` in [[Lamentations 2:7]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a stark and terrifying reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. For the God of Israel, who chose to dwell among His people in the sanctuary, to "abhor" that very sanctuary is an act of profound theological significance.
* **Divine Holiness and Justice**: This action demonstrates God's absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate defilement, and His unyielding justice, which executes judgment even upon His own sacred spaces when His people have utterly failed to uphold their covenant obligations.
* **Severity of Sin**: The use of *nâʼar* underscores the extreme severity of Judah's apostasy. Their sin was so grievous that it provoked God to actively reject what was most sacred to Him and to them.
* **Covenant Consequences**: It illustrates the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant. While God's overarching covenant with Abraham was unconditional, the blessings and presence associated with the Mosaic Covenant were contingent upon obedience. The "abhorring" of the sanctuary signifies the breaking of that conditional relationship from God's side, in response to His people's persistent rebellion.
* **God's Grief and Wrath**: While an act of judgment, it is also presented within a book of lament, suggesting that God's rejection is not without divine sorrow. It is the righteous wrath of a holy God who has been grievously wronged by His beloved people.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5010}}` (נָאַר, *nâʼar*) fundamentally means "to reject," extending to "abhor" and "make void." Its unique and powerful appearance in [[Lamentations 2:7]] describes God's active and decisive rejection of His own sanctuary. This singular usage underscores the profound theological implications of sin and covenant breaking, revealing God's absolute holiness and justice. The act of "abhorring" His sanctuary signifies the ultimate consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, demonstrating that even the most sacred spaces are not immune to divine judgment when the covenant is broken. It stands as a solemn testament to the severity of God's wrath and the gravity of human rebellion.
TRV