### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma *sar* (סַר, `{{H5620}}`) is defined as a state of being "peevish," "heavy," or "sad." Its etymological root is significant, being a contraction from *sarar* (סָרַר, `{{H5637}}`), which carries meanings such as "to be stubborn," "to turn aside," or "to rebel." This connection is crucial, suggesting that the emotional state of *sar* is not merely passive sadness, but often implies a disposition of discontent, ill-temper, or even a subtle form of resistance or turning away. The "heaviness" denotes a burdensome emotional weight, while "peevishness" points to irritability and displeasure. Thus, *sar* describes an internal emotional state characterized by dejection, vexation, or a burdened spirit, often with an underlying current of dissatisfaction or recalcitrance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *sar* appears in several poignant biblical narratives, consistently conveying a sense of emotional distress, displeasure, or bitterness:
* In [[1 Samuel 1:6]], Hannah's rival Peninnah "provoked her sorely" (KJV) or "irritated her" (ESV). Here, *sar* describes Hannah's state of deep vexation and bitterness due to her barrenness and Peninnah's taunts. Her *sar* condition leads her to fervent prayer, demonstrating a righteous response to profound affliction.
* The term is notably used twice to describe King Ahab's disposition. In [[1 Kings 20:43]], Ahab returns to his palace "sullen and vexed" (ESV) or "heavy and displeased" (KJV) after the prophet rebukes him for sparing Ben-hadad.
* Again, in [[1 Kings 21:4]], Ahab is "sullen and vexed" (ESV) or "heavy and displeased" (KJV) because Naboth refused to sell him his vineyard. In both instances concerning Ahab, *sar* highlights an ungodly discontent, a covetous and petulant spirit that ultimately leads to grave sin and injustice. His "heaviness" is born of unfulfilled desire and stubborn self-will, rather than righteous sorrow.
* [[Proverbs 14:13]] offers a more introspective application: "Even in laughter the heart may be sad, and the end of joy may be grief." Here, *sar* is translated as "sad" or "grief," indicating an underlying sorrow or emptiness that can persist even amidst outward expressions of happiness. This verse points to the superficiality of external joy when the heart is internally burdened or distressed.
Across these contexts, *sar* consistently denotes an inward state of emotional distress, dissatisfaction, or bitterness, often triggered by disappointment, provocation, or unfulfilled desires. The response to this state, whether in prayer (Hannah) or sinful action (Ahab), reveals its profound theological implications.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *sar* (`{{H5620}}`) includes several related Hebrew words and concepts:
* **`{{H5637}}` *sarar* (סָרַר)**: As the root word, *sarar* means "to be stubborn," "to rebel," or "to turn aside." This connection is paramount, suggesting that the "peevishness" or "heaviness" of *sar* can stem from a rebellious spirit or a turning away from God's will or circumstances. It implies a resistance to reality or divine providence.
* **`{{H3515}}` *kabad* (כָּבֵד)**: Meaning "to be heavy," this word often describes a literal or metaphorical weight, such as a heavy heart, a burden, or a difficult situation. The "heavy" aspect of *sar* aligns closely with *kabad*, conveying a sense of being weighed down by sorrow or displeasure.
* **`{{H4784}}` *marar* (מָרַר)**: Meaning "to be bitter," this word frequently describes intense emotional pain, grief, or resentment. The "peevish" quality of *sar* shares conceptual ground with the bitterness expressed by *marar*, particularly in the context of feeling provoked or wronged.
* **Displeasure, vexation, dejection, bitterness, stubbornness, and rebellion** are all conceptual themes intertwined with *sar*. The word captures a complex emotional state that can range from deep, legitimate sorrow to a resentful, self-centered discontent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *sar* (`{{H5620}}`) lies in its portrayal of the human heart's response to adversity, unfulfilled desires, and provocation.
* **The Nature of Discontent:** Ahab's use of *sar* exemplifies ungodly discontent. His "sullen and vexed" spirit is rooted in covetousness and a refusal to accept divine boundaries or the rights of others. This illustrates how a *sar* heart can be a breeding ground for sin, leading to injustice and rebellion against God's moral order. It serves as a warning against allowing personal desires to override righteousness and contentment.
* **Righteous Grief vs. Ungodly Resentment:** Hannah's *sar* state, though painful, is a righteous grief that drives her to prayer and a vow before the Lord. This contrasts sharply with Ahab's petulance. The word highlights that while sorrow is a natural human emotion, its theological import depends on how one responds to it—whether it leads to despair and sin or to a deeper reliance on God and submission to His will.
* **Inner State and Outward Manifestation:** Proverbs 14:13, using *sar*, underscores the deceptive nature of outward appearances and the importance of genuine inner peace. A *sar* heart, even when masked by laughter, reveals a deeper spiritual reality of sorrow or emptiness. This points to the biblical emphasis on the condition of the heart as the wellspring of life ([[Proverbs 4:23]]).
* **Consequences of Stubbornness:** The etymological link to *sarar* (rebellion) suggests that the state of being *sar* can be a symptom of a heart that has "turned aside" from trust in God, leading to a resistant and unyielding disposition rather than humble acceptance or patient endurance.
### Summary
*Sar* (סַר, `{{H5620}}`) denotes a state of being "peevish," "heavy," or "sad," often implying a disposition of discontent or resistance. Its root connection to *sarar* (סָרַר, `{{H5637}}`), meaning "to be stubborn" or "to turn aside," underscores the potential for this emotional state to be linked to a rebellious or unyielding spirit. Biblical occurrences in [[1 Samuel 1:6]], [[1 Kings 20:43]], [[1 Kings 21:4]], and [[Proverbs 14:13]] consistently portray *sar* as vexation, sullenness, displeasure, or deep inner sorrow. Theologically, *sar* serves as a powerful descriptor of the human heart's response to adversity. It can manifest as ungodly discontent leading to sin (Ahab) or as a profound, legitimate affliction that drives one to prayer and deeper reliance on God (Hannah). Ultimately, *sar* highlights the critical importance of a heart at peace and submitted to divine will, contrasting superficial joy with genuine inner well-being and revealing the spiritual consequences of disappointment, unfulfilled desires, or provocation.
TRV