The Hebrew word nôcham, represented by H5164, refers to repentance. Its definition includes ruefulness and desistance. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
In its sole biblical appearance, H5164 is used in a dramatic declaration of God's power over death. The verse states that God will ransom H6299 His people from the grave H7585 and redeem H1350 them from death H4194. The passage concludes with the statement, "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes" Hosea 13:14. This signifies that God's decision to bring destruction upon death and the grave is final and unchangeable; He will not desist or show ruefulness regarding this powerful act of redemption.
The context of H5164 is enriched by several key terms that define the scope of God's redemptive act:
- H6299 pâdâh (ransom): This root means to sever or release, used for the act of paying a price to set someone free. It appears in the promise, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave" Hosea 13:14, and describes "the redeemed of the LORD" who shall return to Zion Isaiah 51:11.
- H1350 gâʼal (redeem): This word relates to redemption through kinship, where a next of kin buys back a relative or their property. In Hosea 13:14, God acts as this kinsman-redeemer, a role also affirmed by Job who knew his redeemer lives Job 19:25.
- H7585 shᵉʼôwl (grave): This refers to Hades or the world of the dead. It is the state of confinement from which God promises deliverance, as seen in the declaration to overcome the grave Hosea 13:14 and the psalmist's confidence that God will not leave his soul in hell Psalms 16:10.
The theological weight of H5164 is derived entirely from its unique context in Hosea 13:14, where it highlights a profound attribute of God.
- Divine Immutability: The phrase "repentance shall be hid from mine eyes" establishes the unchangeable nature of God's redemptive promise. It signifies that God will not desist from or regret His decision to conquer death.
- The Certainty of Redemption: The word's placement at the end of a series of redemptive declarations—to ransom H6299 and redeem H1350—acts as a divine guarantee. The plan of salvation is presented as final and irreversible.
- God's Sovereignty over Death: By stating that He will not repent, God asserts His absolute authority over death H4194 and the grave H7585. His resolve to be their "plagues" H1698 and "destruction" H6987 is sealed.
In summary, though nôcham H5164 appears only once, its significance is immense. Defined as ruefulness or repentance, its use in Hosea 13:14 is not about human action but about divine resolve. It serves as the definitive statement that God's plan to ransom His people from the grave and destroy death itself is absolute and will not be altered. This single occurrence provides a powerful affirmation of the finality and certainty of God's redemptive work.
TRV