The Hebrew word ʻâshath, represented by H6245, is a primitive root with a definition that connects a physical state to a mental one: "probably to be sleek, i.e. glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing) to excogitate (as if forming in the mind); shine, think." It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
The two uses of H6245 present its distinct meanings. In Jeremiah 5:28, it describes wicked men who have "waxen fat" and "shine," indicating a glossy, prosperous appearance that contrasts with their failure to judge the cause of the fatherless. Conversely, in Jonah 1:6, the shipmaster rouses Jonah from sleep, urging him to call upon God in the hope that God will "think" upon them and prevent them from perishing. One use depicts an outward sign of corrupt indulgence, while the other refers to a life-saving act of divine consideration.
Several related words help illuminate the contexts of H6245:
- H8080 shâman (to become fat): This word appears directly alongside H6245 in Jeremiah's critique of the wicked who "are waxen fat, they shine" Jeremiah 5:28, reinforcing the idea of a sleekness born from excessive wealth.
- H1779 dîyn (cause, judgement, plea): In the same passage, the wicked are condemned because they do not judge the "cause" of the fatherless Jeremiah 5:28, linking their "shining" appearance to a failure of justice.
- H7290 râdam (to sleep): Jonah is identified as a "sleeper" when he is told to arise and call upon God Jonah 1:6. His state of deep sleep stands in stark contrast to the urgent need for God to "think" and act.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (God): The appeal in the storm is for God to think upon the sailors Jonah 1:6, positioning the act of divine thought as the source of potential deliverance.
The theological weight of H6245 lies in the sharp contrast between its two applications.
- Divine Consideration: The ability to "think" upon people is presented as a salvific attribute of God. In a moment of crisis, the hope of the sailors rests on whether God will turn His mind toward them to prevent their destruction Jonah 1:6.
- The Sheen of Injustice: In Jeremiah, to "shine" is not a mark of divine blessing but a sign of wickedness. It is the physical manifestation of prosperity gained by neglecting the needs of the fatherless H3490 and the needy H34, who are denied justice Jeremiah 5:28.
- Internal vs. External: The word juxtaposes a vital, internal act of God's mind with the superficial, external appearance of corrupt individuals. One leads to life, while the other is an evidence of deeds that lead to condemnation.
In summary, H6245 ʻâshath is a nuanced term whose meaning shifts from a physical "shine" to a cognitive "think." Though used only twice, it creates a powerful biblical theme: the saving power of God's active thought stands in direct opposition to the self-serving, glossy appearance of those who forsake justice. The word illustrates how an external state of being sleek can be metaphorically linked to the internal, polished process of forming a thought.
TRV