### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâgan**, represented by `{{H5702}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to debar, i.e. from marriage; stay**. Its usage in the biblical text is extremely specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. This rarity highlights its pointed application in a singular, poignant moment of decision and release.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5702}}` is in the book of Ruth, during Naomi's plea to her daughters-in-law. After losing her husband and sons, Naomi urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their own people. She asks them rhetorically if they would **stay** for any future sons she might bear, thereby debarring themselves from finding new husbands. This use in [[Ruth 1:13]] vividly paints a picture of being held in suspension and prevented from moving forward with life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Two related words in the immediate context of [[Ruth 1:13]] help clarify the meaning of `{{H5702}}`:
* `{{H7663}}` **sâbar** (to hope, tarry, view, wait): Used in the same sentence, Naomi asks if her daughters-in-law would "tarry" for her hypothetical sons. This word, implying hopeful expectation, is set in contrast to the bleak reality of their situation, making the act of staying seem futile.
* `{{H1431}}` **gâdal** (to be... large... grow(up)): The condition for their waiting would be for these sons to be "grown." This word establishes the impossible timeframe involved, reinforcing why Naomi insists they should not **stay** `{{H5702}}` and hinder their own futures.
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H5702}}` is centered on the concepts of personal freedom and the release from social obligation under tragic circumstances.
* **Debarring from Life:** The word powerfully illustrates a state of being held back from the normal progression of life, specifically marriage and family, which was central to a woman's identity and security in that culture.
* **An Act of Release:** By using this term, Naomi is not commanding but rather illustrating the absurdity of her daughters-in-law binding themselves to her. Her question is a rhetorical device meant to release them from any perceived duty.
* **Context of Hardship:** The use of `{{H5702}}` occurs as Naomi laments that "the hand of the LORD is gone out against me" [[Ruth 1:13]]. The word encapsulates the hopeless future she sees, one where waiting would only lead to being debarred from blessing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5702}}` is a highly specific and impactful word. Though used only once, its appearance in [[Ruth 1:13]] is crucial to the narrative, defining the impossible choice facing Ruth and Orpah. It conveys a deep sense of being held back from marriage and a future, and its use by Naomi serves as the catalyst for her daughters-in-law to make a life-altering decision.
TRV