probably passive participle of סוּר; turned off, i.e. deteriorated; degenerate.
Transliteration:çûwr
Pronunciation:soor
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5494, transliterated as *çûwr* (סוּר), is defined as "probably passive participle of `{{H5493}}`; turned off, i.e. deteriorated; degenerate." Its root, `{{H5493}}` (*sûr*), primarily means "to turn aside," "to depart," or "to remove." As a passive participle, H5494 therefore denotes a state of having been "turned aside" or "departed" from its original, intended, or proper state, resulting in a condition of deterioration or degeneracy. It describes something that has undergone a negative transformation, moving away from integrity or purity towards corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5494 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Jeremiah 2:21]]:
"Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly of true seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?"
In this poignant lament, the prophet Jeremiah, speaking for Yahweh, describes Israel as a "noble vine" (גֶּפֶן סוֹרֵק - *gefen soreq*) that God Himself had carefully planted with "wholly of true seed." Despite this divine nurturing and the inherent quality of their origin, Israel has become a "degenerate plant" (סוּרָה - *sûrâh*, the feminine singular form of H5494). The word here vividly portrays Israel's profound spiritual decline and apostasy. They have deviated from their covenant relationship with God, turning to idolatry and unfaithfulness, thus becoming a "strange vine" in contrast to their noble, true beginnings. This single occurrence powerfully encapsulates the concept of a beloved entity becoming corrupted and unworthy of its divine planter.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root `{{H5493}}` (*sûr*), from which H5494 is derived. This root signifies the act of turning aside or departing, which is the process leading to the state of degeneracy described by H5494.
Conceptually, H5494 is closely linked to ideas of:
* **Apostasy**: A turning away from one's faith or principles.
* **Corruption**: The process of decay or deterioration, especially moral or spiritual.
* **Unfaithfulness**: A breach of trust or loyalty, particularly in a covenant relationship.
* **Backsliding**: A return to sin or a decline in spiritual commitment after a period of faith.
Words that convey similar spiritual decay or treachery include `{{H2181}}` (*zānâh*, to commit spiritual fornication/idolatry), `{{H0898}}` (*bāgad*, to deal treacherously), and `{{H6586}}` (*pāshaʿ*, to transgress or rebel). The contrast to H5494 would be concepts like purity, faithfulness, integrity, and righteousness.
### Theological Significance
Though rare in its direct occurrence, H5494 carries significant theological weight. It underscores the profound disappointment and sorrow of God over the spiritual degeneration of His chosen people. The imagery in [[Jeremiah 2:21]] portrays God as the diligent Vinedresser who planted a perfect, noble vine, only for it to become "degenerate." This highlights:
1. **Divine Expectation vs. Human Failure**: God's perfect provision and intention for His people (a noble vine) are contrasted sharply with their capacity for spiritual corruption and departure from His ways.
2. **Covenant Unfaithfulness**: The term encapsulates Israel's violation of their covenant with Yahweh, illustrating how their turning aside from Him led to a fundamental change in their spiritual character.
3. **Consequences of Apostasy**: It implicitly points to the severe consequences of such degeneracy, as a degenerate plant cannot bear the fruit expected of a noble vine, leading to divine judgment and discipline.
The word serves as a stark reminder of the potential for even those divinely favored to fall into a state of profound spiritual decay, necessitating repentance and restoration.
### Summary
H5494 (*çûwr*) signifies a state of being "turned off," "deteriorated," or "degenerate," deriving from the root meaning "to turn aside." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Jeremiah 2:21]] powerfully describes Israel's spiritual decline, portraying them as a "degenerate plant" despite having been divinely planted as a "noble vine." This rare but potent term encapsulates the theological concepts of apostasy, unfaithfulness, and the profound disappointment of God over the corruption of His covenant people. It serves as a vivid metaphor for the severe consequences of deviating from divine truth and purity.
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