### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻôneg**, represented by `{{H6027}}`, denotes **delight**, **luxury**, or what is **pleasant**. Though it appears only 2 times in 2 verses, its usage presents a sharp contrast between spiritual joy and worldly opulence. The term is derived from a root meaning to be soft or pliable, carrying the sense of something luxurious or satisfying.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{H6027}}` is used in two distinct ways. First, it defines the proper attitude toward God's commands, specifically that one should **call** `{{H7121}}` the **sabbath** `{{H7676}}` a **delight** `{{H6027}}`. This is contrasted with pursuing one's own **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` or **ways** `{{H1870}}` on the **holy** `{{H6944}}` **day** `{{H3117}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Isaiah 58:13]]. Second, it describes the downfall of Babylon, where the once **pleasant** `{{H6027}}` **palaces** `{{H1964}}` will become desolate ruins, inhabited by **wild beasts of the islands** `{{H338}}` and **dragons** `{{H8577}}` [[Isaiah 13:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H6027}}` in its specific contexts:
* `{{H2656}}` **chêphets** (pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire): This word is used in direct opposition to `{{H6027}}` in [[Isaiah 58:13]], distinguishing between self-seeking "pleasure" and the consecrated "delight" found in honoring God's sabbath.
* `{{H7676}}` **shabbâth** (intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath): This is the object which is to be called a **delight** `{{H6027}}`. The connection shows that delight is found in the sacred time set apart for the LORD [[Isaiah 58:13]].
* `{{H1964}}` **hêykâl** (a large public building, such as a palace or temple): These are the structures in Babylon described as **pleasant** `{{H6027}}`. This links the word to material luxury and grandeur that is ultimately fleeting [[Isaiah 13:22]].
* `{{H3513}}` **kâbad** (to be heavy... honorable): This term is used in parallel with **delight** `{{H6027}}`, as the Sabbath is to be considered both a delight and **honourable**. This joins the concept of delight with the act of giving honor to God [[Isaiah 58:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6027}}` is expressed through its contrasting applications.
* **Delight as an Act of Worship:** The term elevates obedience from mere duty to a source of spiritual joy. Finding **delight** `{{H6027}}` in the **sabbath** `{{H7676}}` is presented as a primary way to **honour** `{{H3513}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Isaiah 58:13]].
* **The Judgment of Worldly Luxury:** By describing Babylon's palaces as **pleasant** `{{H6027}}` right before their prophesied destruction, the word underscores the biblical theme that earthly luxury is temporary and subject to divine judgment [[Isaiah 13:22]].
* **Spiritual Joy vs. Self-Interest:** The instruction in [[Isaiah 58:13]] creates a clear distinction between the enduring delight that comes from honoring God and the transient pleasure found in pursuing one's own desires.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6027}}` is a nuanced word that, despite its rare use, carries significant theological meaning. It encapsulates both the highest form of spiritual joy found in communion with God and the most superficial type of worldly luxury. Its two appearances in Scripture create a powerful contrast, teaching that while the **pleasant** `{{H6027}}` things of the world will fade, the **delight** `{{H6027}}` found in honoring the LORD is enduring.
TRV