### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5361}}` (nâqaʻ) is a primitive root carrying the core semantic range of "to be alienated," "to feel aversion," or "to be disjointed/wrenched apart." Its primary physical sense denotes a violent separation, such as a limb being dislocated or broken. This physical meaning extends metaphorically to describe a profound relational or emotional detachment. It conveys a strong sense of drawing away from, detaching oneself from, or being forcibly separated from something or someone, often due to a deep-seated revulsion or estrangement. The nuance lies in the shift from a physical state of being "out of joint" to a spiritual or emotional state of being "out of harmony" or "estranged" due to a felt aversion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5361}}` in the Hebrew Bible, though few, are highly significant and illustrate its dual physical and metaphorical applications:
* **Physical Sense:** In [[Leviticus 22:22]], the word describes a physical defect in an animal, rendering it unacceptable for sacrifice: "You shall not offer to the Lord what is blind, or **dislocated** (or 'broken,' 'mangled'), or maimed, or having a running sore, or eczema, or scabs." Here, `{{H5361}}` refers to a limb that is "out of joint" or "wrenched apart," signifying an imperfection that violates the divine standard of wholeness and purity required for offerings. This underscores the idea of something being fundamentally "not right" or "out of order."
* **Metaphorical/Relational Sense:** The word takes on a profound relational and theological meaning in the prophetic books:
* In [[Ezekiel 23:17-18]], `{{H5361}}` describes the Lord's emotional response to the spiritual harlotry of Oholibah (representing Jerusalem): "Then the Babylonians came to her, to the bed of love, and they defiled her with their immorality; and she was defiled by them, and **she became alienated** from them. So she exposed her prostitution and uncovered her nakedness; then **My soul became alienated** from her, just as My soul had become alienated from her sister." Here, the word expresses divine aversion and disgust, leading to a profound relational breach. God's "soul becoming alienated" signifies His righteous withdrawal and rejection due to Israel's profound unfaithfulness and idolatry. It is a powerful statement of divine judgment.
* [[Jeremiah 6:8]] serves as a stark warning from God to Jerusalem: "Be warned, O Jerusalem, lest **My soul become alienated** from you, lest I make you a desolation, a land not inhabited." This passage parallels the use in Ezekiel, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of alienation. Human apostasy and refusal to heed divine warnings lead to God's own "alienation" – His turning away in judgment, resulting in severe consequences for the people. This highlights the covenantal implications of `{{H5361}}`: unfaithfulness breaks the relationship, leading to divine estrangement and desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{H5361}}` resonates with several other Hebrew terms and theological ideas concerning separation, estrangement, and divine judgment:
* `{{H5493}}` (sûr): "to turn aside," "to depart," often used for turning away from God or His commands.
* `{{H2186}}` (zâr): "strange," "alien," "estranged," often describing foreign gods or those who are not part of the covenant community.
* `{{H5080}}` (nûd): "to wander," "to be estranged," "to shake," implying a restless departure or a state of being unsettled.
* `{{H8130}}` (śânê'): "to hate," which can describe strong aversion, though `{{H5361}}` focuses more on the resulting separation or detachment rather than just the emotion of hatred itself.
* Conceptually, `{{H5361}}` is closely tied to ideas of apostasy (turning away from God), spiritual adultery (unfaithfulness to the divine covenant), and the breaking of the covenant relationship, which inevitably leads to divine judgment and desolation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5361}}` is profound, particularly in its metaphorical usage. It vividly portrays the grave consequences of sin and unfaithfulness on the divine-human relationship.
1. **Divine Aversion to Sin:** In Ezekiel, `{{H5361}}` describes God's righteous and active aversion to the spiritual harlotry and idolatry of His people. This is not a capricious turning away but a just response to profound covenantal infidelity. It underscores God's holiness and His inability to countenance sin.
2. **Warning Against Apostasy:** Jeremiah's use of the word serves as a severe warning. It implies that human actions (disobedience, idolatry) can lead to a state where God's very "soul" – His presence and favor – becomes alienated from His people. This alienation is not merely passive withdrawal but an active turning away that results in devastating judgment and desolation.
3. **Breach of Covenant:** The word powerfully illustrates the breaking of the covenant relationship. Just as a dislocated limb is out of its proper place and causes dysfunction, so too does sin cause humanity to be "out of joint" with God's divine order and purpose, leading to a rupture in the sacred bond.
4. **Consequences of Unfaithfulness:** `{{H5361}}` highlights the ultimate consequence of persistent unfaithfulness: the loss of divine favor and protection, leading to abandonment and desolation. It is a stark reminder that the relationship with God is conditional upon obedience and fidelity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5361}}` (nâqaʻ) encompasses the dual meanings of "to be disjointed/wrenched apart" and, more significantly, "to be alienated" or "to feel aversion." While it can describe a physical defect (as in [[Leviticus 22:22]]), its profound theological weight emerges in its metaphorical application to the divine-human relationship. In prophetic contexts (e.g., [[Ezekiel 23:17-18]], [[Jeremiah 6:8]]), `{{H5361}}` vividly portrays God's righteous aversion and subsequent alienation from His people due to their spiritual infidelity and idolatry. This alienation signifies a profound breach in the covenant, leading to divine judgment and desolation. Thus, `{{H5361}}` serves as a powerful descriptor of the relational rupture caused by sin and a solemn warning regarding the consequences of spiritual estrangement from the Holy God.
TRV