### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻârêb**, represented by `{{H6149}}`, is a primitive root that means to be agreeable, pleasant, or sweet. While it appears only **8 times** in 8 unique verses, its usage spans from describing physical sensations to expressing divine approval. It defines what is considered pleasing, whether to a person's soul, their senses, or to God himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6149}}` captures different kinds of pleasantness. It can describe a literal, peaceful experience, such as when a person's **sleep** is described as **sweet** ([[Proverbs 3:24]]; [[Jeremiah 31:26]]). It also conveys emotional and relational satisfaction, as when an accomplished **desire** is **sweet** to the soul [[Proverbs 13:19]] or when pleasure is taken in lovers [[Ezekiel 16:37]]. Crucially, the term is used as a measure of divine acceptance. God declares that the sacrifices of disobedient Israel are not **sweet** to Him [[Jeremiah 6:20]], and their offerings are not **pleasing** [[Hosea 9:4]], yet He promises that one day the offerings of His people will again be **pleasant** [[Malachi 3:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of what is considered agreeable or pleasant:
* `{{H8142}}` **shênâh** (sleep): This term is directly qualified by `{{H6149}}` in contexts of peace and divine reassurance. After a vision from God, Jeremiah's **sleep** was **sweet** unto him [[Jeremiah 31:26]], and a righteous person's **sleep** will be **sweet** [[Proverbs 3:24]].
* `{{H2077}}` **zebach** (sacrifice): This word for an animal **sacrifice** is often used in relation to whether an act of worship is pleasing to God. In [[Jeremiah 6:20]], Israel's **sacrifices** are explicitly contrasted as not being **sweet** to the LORD.
* `{{H8378}}` **taʼăvâh** (desire): This term for a longing or delight is shown to find its fulfillment in sweetness. [[Proverbs 13:19]] states that a **desire** when accomplished is **sweet** to the soul, linking the abstract concept of longing to the tangible feeling of pleasantness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6149}}` is centered on the nature of true, acceptable pleasure.
* **A Gauge of Divine Favor:** The word is a key indicator of God's approval. Offerings are not inherently pleasant; they become **pleasant** or **sweet** to the LORD based on the spiritual state of the worshipper ([[Malachi 3:4]]; [[Jeremiah 6:20]]).
* **The Sweetness of Righteousness:** The word is associated with the positive outcomes of a life aligned with God. Righteous meditation is **sweet** [[Psalms 104:34]], and peaceful **sleep** is a blessing for those who trust in God [[Proverbs 3:24]].
* **Perverted Pleasure:** The term is also used to highlight the consequences of misplaced affection. In [[Ezekiel 16:37]], the **pleasure** Israel took in idolatrous lovers becomes the very instrument of their public shame and judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6149}}` is a word that, while rare, provides a rich understanding of what is truly agreeable. It moves beyond simple sensory experience to encompass emotional contentment, relational satisfaction, and, most significantly, the standard for what is pleasing in the sight of God. It teaches that the ultimate measure of what is **sweet** is found not in temporary pleasures but in divine acceptance and a righteous heart.
TRV