### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çârâh**, represented by `{{H5627}}`, primarily denotes **apostasy**, **rebellion**, or **revolt**. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**. Its meaning extends from a criminal act of wrongdoing to the specific theological crime of turning away from God, and can be used idiomatically to mean **continual**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5627}}` is frequently used to describe the grave sin of leading people away from God. Prophets are warned against teaching **rebellion** against the LORD ([[Jeremiah 28:16]], [[Jeremiah 29:32]]). Such an act, described as speaking to **turn** people **away** from the LORD, was punishable by death [[Deuteronomy 13:5]]. The word also characterizes a persistent state of sin, as Israel is warned, "ye will **revolt** more and more" [[Isaiah 1:5]]. In a legal context, it can signify testifying to that which is **wrong** [[Deuteronomy 19:16]], and in Isaiah, it is used to describe a "continual **stroke**" [[Isaiah 14:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of rebellion and its consequences:
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (speak, teach): This word is often linked to `{{H5627}}`, as rebellion is frequently something that is **taught** or **spoken**. This is seen when false prophets are accused because they have **taught** rebellion against the LORD [[Jeremiah 28:16]].
* `{{H6586}}` **pâshaʻ** (transgress, rebel, revolt): This term highlights the breaking away from just authority. It is used alongside `{{H5627}}` in a description of **transgressing** and lying against the LORD, speaking oppression and **revolt** [[Isaiah 59:13]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (strike, smite, punish): This word illustrates the divine consequence of revolt. In [[Isaiah 1:5]], the question is asked why the people would want to be **stricken** any more, as they continue to **revolt** more and more.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5627}}` is significant, highlighting the gravity of turning from God.
* **The Crime of Apostasy:** The word is used to define the act of teaching **rebellion** against the LORD as a capital offense ([[Deuteronomy 13:5]], [[Jeremiah 28:16]]). This underscores the seriousness of leading others astray from their covenant with God.
* **Rebellion and Consequence:** There is a direct link between the act of **revolt** and divine punishment. The nation's sickness and faintness are tied to their ever-increasing **revolt** [[Isaiah 1:5]], and a "continual **stroke**" is the result of wrathful rule [[Isaiah 14:6]].
* **Internal and External Revolt:** `{{H5627}}` is part of a broader description of sin that originates in the heart. It is connected with "departing away from our God" and "conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood" [[Isaiah 59:13]], showing that revolt is a conscious choice, not just an outward action.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5627}}` is a potent term that defines the act of breaking faith with God. It moves beyond simple crime to describe a state of deliberate **rebellion**, apostasy, and turning away. Whether used to condemn false prophets [[Jeremiah 29:32]], describe a legal wrong [[Deuteronomy 19:16]], or illustrate the nation's persistent sin [[Isaiah 1:5]], **çârâh** points to a fundamental and serious breach in the relationship between God and His people.
TRV