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.
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.
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.
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.
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