The Hebrew word çar, represented by H5620, is a term for being peevish, heavy, or sad. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, making it a highly specific descriptor within the biblical text. Its meaning is rooted in a sense of sullen discontent or sorrow.
In the biblical narrative, H5620 is used exclusively to describe the emotional state of King Ahab H256. It appears alongside displeased H2198 when he returns to his house H1004 after being denied his wishes (1 Kings 20:43, 1 Kings 21:4). This heavy sadness is specifically triggered by the word H1697 spoken by Naboth H5022 the Jezreelite H3158, who refused to give H5414 Ahab his family's inheritance H5159. This emotion was so profound that it caused Ahab to lie on his bed H4296, turn his face H6440 away, and refuse to eat H398 bread H3899 1 Kings 21:4. His wife Jezebel H348 questioned why his spirit H7307 was so sad H5620 that he would not eat 1 Kings 21:5.
Several related words help to frame the context of this peevish sadness:
- H2198 zâʻêph (displeased): This word is used in direct conjunction with H5620 to emphasize Ahab's angry and displeased reaction to events (1 Kings 20:43, 1 Kings 21:4).
- H256 ʼAchʼâb (Ahab): The subject of this emotion in all its biblical occurrences is Ahab, the king H4428 of Israel 1 Kings 20:43.
- H7307 rûwach (spirit): Jezebel attributes Ahab's condition to his spirit, highlighting the deep, internal nature of his sadness 1 Kings 21:5.
- H3899 lechem (bread): Ahab's refusal to eat bread serves as the primary outward expression of his inner heavy and sad state (1 Kings 21:4, 1 Kings 21:5).
The use of H5620 carries significant implications within its narrative context:
- Character Revelation: The word reveals the petulant character of King Ahab H256. Despite his position, he reacts with a heavy, peevish sadness when his desires for Naboth's H5022 land are denied 1 Kings 21:4.
- Internal State and External Action: The term demonstrates the powerful link between an internal spirit H7307 and external behavior. Ahab's inner turmoil manifests as physical withdrawal—lying down on his bed H4296 and refusing nourishment 1 Kings 21:4.
- Catalyst for Iniquity: Ahab's heavy and displeased state 1 Kings 21:4 creates the opportunity for Jezebel H348 to intervene, setting in motion the wicked plot against Naboth. The emotion itself becomes a passive gateway to greater sin.
In summary, H5620 is not a general term for sadness but a specific word for a heavy, peevish discontent. Its focused use on King Ahab H256 paints a portrait of a ruler consumed by sullen resentment when he does not get his way. The word effectively illustrates how a heavy heart can lead to physical inaction and create the conditions for others to enact great evil, as seen in the tragic account of Naboth H5022 and his inheritance.
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