סוּג

çûwg /soog/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to flinch, i.e. (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
KJV usagebackslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word çûwg, represented by H5472, is a primitive root that means to flinch or go back. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses both a literal retreat, like in a battle, and a figurative turning away, such as in apostasy. It is translated as backslider, go back, turn away, and drive back.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H5472 frequently describes the act of abandoning faith or commitment to God. Zephaniah speaks of those who are "turned back H5472 from H310 the LORD H3068" as a group under judgment Zephaniah 1:6. The term can also describe an internal state, as in Proverbs, which warns that "The backslider H5472 in heart H3820 shall be filled H7646 with his own ways H1870" Proverbs 14:14. In contrast, the faithful servant of the Lord declares, "I was not rebellious H4784, neither turned away H5472 back H268" Isaiah 50:5. The word is also used in a literal sense to describe enemies who are driven back in defeat Jeremiah 46:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of turning back:

  • H268 ʼâchôwr (backward): This adverb frequently appears alongside H5472 to specify the direction of movement, emphasizing a retreat or reversal. For example, the psalmist prays for his enemies to be "turned H5472 back H268" Psalms 35:4.
  • H954 bûwsh (ashamed): Shame is a common consequence for those who are turned back, especially those who abandon God for idols. Those who trust in graven images "shall be turned H5472 back H268, they shall be greatly H1322 ashamed H954" Isaiah 42:17.
  • H1245 bâqash (to search out): This word for seeking is often presented as the opposite of turning away. Those condemned for turning back from the Lord are also described as those who "have not sought H1245 the LORD H3068" Zephaniah 1:6.
  • H2015 hâphak (to turn about or over): Used in parallel with H5472, this word reinforces the idea of being turned from a correct course, like Israel being "turned aside H2015 like a deceitful H7423 bow H7198" after they "turned back H5472" Psalms 78:57.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H5472 is centered on the concepts of faithfulness and apostasy.

  • Spiritual Apostasy: The most critical use of the word is to define the act of turning away from the LORD. This is not a passive drifting but an active retreat from a prior commitment, often contrasted directly with seeking God Zephaniah 1:6.
  • The Condition of the Heart: The phrase "backslider H5472 in heart H3820" demonstrates that this is an internal spiritual condition, not merely an external action. It is a deliberate turning of the will and affections away from God's ways Proverbs 14:14.
  • A Sign of Judgment: Being "turned H5472 back H268" is often a result of divine judgment upon enemies or the unfaithful. This is particularly true for those who place their trust in idols instead of God Isaiah 42:17 and for those who hate Zion H6726 Psalms 129:5.

Summary

In summary, H5472 carries significant weight, moving beyond the literal idea of retreat to the profound spiritual concept of apostasy. It serves as a strong warning against flinching in one's commitment to God, highlighting that turning back is a condition of the heart that leads to being filled with one's own ways and ultimately facing shame and confusion. Whether describing a fleeing army or a faithless heart, çûwg consistently portrays a movement away from a position of strength, security, and divine favor.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 3×
  • Niphal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Niphal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 14 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Psalms (8 verses).

8
Psalms
1
Proverbs
2
Isaiah
2
Jeremiah
1
Zephaniah

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