### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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