a primitive root (identical with through the idea of severing oneself from (compare קוּט)); to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious; abhor, be distressed, be grieved, loathe, vex, be weary.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qûwts**, represented by `{{H6973}}`, expresses a powerful feeling of aversion, disgust, or anxiety. It is a primitive root suggesting the idea of severing oneself from something. Though it appears only **9 times** in **9 unique verses**, its usage is potent, encompassing meanings like **abhor**, **be distressed**, **be grieved**, **loathe**, **vex**, and **be weary**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6973}}` describes intense emotional reactions from both humans and God. The children of Israel, wandering in the desert, use the word to express their disgust with God's provision, stating that their "soul **loatheth** this light bread" [[Numbers 21:5]]. Rebekah voices her despair over Esau's wives, saying, "I **am weary** of my life because of the daughters of Heth" [[Genesis 27:46]]. The word also portrays national anxiety, as Moab **was distressed** because of the sheer number of Israelites [[Numbers 22:3]]. Significantly, God uses this term to describe His own reaction to the sins of the Canaanite nations, stating, "I **abhorred** them" [[Leviticus 20:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the emotional and situational context of `{{H6973}}`:
* `{{H3988}}` **mâʼaç** (to spurn; abhor, cast away, despise, refuse, reject): This term often appears in parallel with `{{H6973}}`, highlighting a deliberate rejection. In Proverbs, the reader is warned not to **despise** the Lord's chastening, nor to **be weary** of His correction [[Proverbs 3:11]].
* `{{H6031}}` **ʻânâh** (to depress literally or figuratively, afflict, humble): This word describes the cause of the emotional state. The Egyptians **afflicted** the Israelites, and as a result, they **were grieved** because of them [[Exodus 1:12]].
* `{{H1481}}` **gûwr** (to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility): This word for fear is directly linked to the distress of `{{H6973}}`. The Bible states that Moab was "sore **afraid**" of the people and **was distressed** because of them [[Numbers 22:3]].
* `{{H4148}}` **mûwçâr** (chastisement; reproof, warning or instruction): This is the object of the weariness described in [[Proverbs 3:11]], where a son is instructed not to be weary of the Lord's **chastening**.
* `{{H8433}}` **tôwkêchâh** (chastisement; correction, refutation, proof, rebuke): Used alongside `{{H4148}}`, this word specifies the verbal or disciplinary action that one should not grow weary of [[Proverbs 3:11]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H6973}}` is significant, revealing insights into both human and divine perspectives.
* **Human Response to Trial:** The word captures the raw, negative human emotion in the face of prolonged hardship or deep frustration, as seen in Israel's loathing of manna [[Numbers 21:5]] and Rebekah's weariness of life [[Genesis 27:46]].
* **Divine Abhorrence of Sin:** `{{H6973}}` is not limited to human feeling. It describes God's holy and just revulsion toward the profane practices of the nations He judged, demonstrating that His actions are rooted in a deep-seated abhorrence of sin [[Leviticus 20:23]].
* **A Warning Against Spiritual Fatigue:** In a wisdom context, the word serves as a spiritual warning. To **be weary** of God's correction is presented as a dangerous spiritual state, rejecting the very process meant for growth and instruction [[Proverbs 3:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6973}}` is a visceral term that goes beyond simple dislike. It conveys a profound sense of emotional distress, ranging from existential weariness and anxious dread to the holy abhorrence of God Himself. Its application in law, narrative, and wisdom literature reveals the intense nature of reactions to sin, difficult circumstances, and divine discipline, making it a key word for understanding the depth of feeling in scripture.
TRV