a primitive root; to stray, i.e. (figuratively) sin (with more or less apology); [idiom] also for that, deceived, err, go astray, sin ignorantly.
Transliteration:shâgag
Pronunciation:shaw-gag'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H7683}}` (שָׁגַג, *shâgag*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "straying" or "wandering off course." This foundational sense extends metaphorically to encompass "erring" or "making a mistake." Crucially, its figurative application to "sin" carries a distinct nuance: it refers to an offense committed inadvertently, unintentionally, or through ignorance, rather than by deliberate defiance or rebellion. The definition "with more or less apology" or "sin ignorantly" highlights this lack of malicious intent or full awareness. It describes a departure from the right path that is not premeditated or high-handed, distinguishing it from other categories of sin in biblical thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The concept conveyed by `{{H7683}}` and its related noun form, שְׁגָגָה (`{{H7684}}`, *shgâgâh*), is particularly prominent in the legal sections of the Pentateuch, especially concerning the Mosaic sacrificial system.
In [[Leviticus 4]], the law of the sin offering (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`) is introduced specifically for a "person who sins unintentionally" (כִּי נֶפֶשׁ תֶּחֱטָא בִשְׁגָגָה, [[Leviticus 4:2]]). This applies to various members of the community—the high priest, the whole congregation, a leader, or a common person—underscoring that even unintentional breaches of God's commands required atonement due to the holiness of God and the defiling nature of sin. The repeated use of the noun `{{H7684}}` in this chapter (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:2]], [[Leviticus 4:13]], [[Leviticus 4:22]], [[Leviticus 4:27]]) solidifies its association with unwitting transgression.
[[Numbers 15:22-31]] further elaborates on the distinction between unintentional sin (בִּשְׁגָגָה, [[Numbers 15:22]]) and "high-handed" sin (בְּיָד רָמָה, [[Numbers 15:30]]). While atonement was provided for the former, the latter, characterized by deliberate contempt for God's word, resulted in the offender being "cut off from among his people" ([[Numbers 15:30-31]]), indicating no provision for atonement under the Mosaic Law. This highlights God's justice in distinguishing between different levels of culpability.
Beyond the cultic context, `{{H7683}}` appears in other wisdom and poetic literature:
* In [[Ecclesiastes 5:6]], the word is used in the context of vows and speech, cautioning against saying "it was a mistake" (שְׁגָגָה) before God's messenger, implying a flippant excuse for a serious matter.
* Job uses it when appealing to God, "Teach me, and I will be silent; and show me how I have erred" (כִּי שָׁגִיתִי, [[Job 6:24]]), expressing a desire to understand any unknown transgression.
* Psalm 119, a meditation on God's law, includes the plea, "Keep my steps from straying" (וְכָל־אֶבֶן לֹא־תִשְׁגֶּה, [[Psalm 119:133]]), reflecting a desire for moral and spiritual steadfastness, avoiding any unwitting deviation from God's path.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of sin in Hebrew is rich, and `{{H7683}}` stands in relation to several key terms:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** The most direct contrast to `{{H7683}}` is the concept of "high-handed" or "presumptuous" sin. This is often expressed by phrases like בְּיָד רָמָה ( *bəyāḏ rāmâ*, "with a high hand"), as seen in [[Numbers 15:30]]. Related verbs include `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*, "to be high, exalted," often implying defiance) and `{{H2093}}` (זִיד, *zîḏ*, "to act proudly, presumptuously"). These terms denote intentional, deliberate rebellion against God's commands, for which the Mosaic Law offered no sacrifice.
* **Synonyms/Related terms for sin:**
* `{{H2398}}` (חָטָא, *châṭâ'*, "to miss the mark, to sin"). This is the most common and general term for sin. While *châṭâ'* can encompass both intentional and unintentional sin, `{{H7683}}` specifically defines the *nature* of the sin as unintentional. Indeed, the phrase "sins unintentionally" in [[Leviticus 4:2]] uses both terms: תֶּחֱטָא בִשְׁגָגָה ( *teḥĕṭā' bišgāgâ*).
* `{{H6586}}` (פָּשַׁע, *pāsha'*, "to transgress, rebel, revolt"). This term carries a stronger connotation of active rebellion and breaking faith.
* `{{H5771}}` (עָוָה, *ʿāwâ*, "to bend, twist, pervert"). This refers to iniquity or crookedness, implying a deviation from what is straight or right.
* **Derived Noun:** The noun שְׁגָגָה (`{{H7684}}`, *shgâgâh*), "error, unintentional sin," is crucial for understanding the concept, as it frequently appears in the legal texts where the verb's meaning is applied.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *shâgag* (`{{H7683}}`) holds significant theological implications, particularly in its distinction between intentional and unintentional sin:
1. **God's Justice and Mercy:** The provision for unintentional sin in the Mosaic Law reveals God's nuanced justice and profound mercy. It demonstrates that while all sin, regardless of intent, defiles and separates from a holy God, there is a path for reconciliation for those who err out of ignorance or inadvertence. God holds individuals accountable for their actions, but He also understands the limitations and fallibility of human nature.
2. **Human Fallibility and Pervasiveness of Sin:** The laws concerning unintentional sin underscore the pervasive nature of sin and human imperfection. Even without malicious intent, humans are prone to error, oversight, and a lack of full understanding of God's perfect will. This highlights that sin is not merely an act of rebellion but also a state of being that can manifest even in unwitting transgressions.
3. **The Pedagogical Purpose of the Law:** The detailed regulations for unintentional sin served to educate Israel about the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of *all* sin. It taught them that even hidden or unknown faults required atonement, thus fostering a deeper awareness of their need for divine grace and a constant walk in humility before God. It also distinguished Israel from surrounding cultures that might only punish deliberate offenses.
4. **Prefigurement of Christ's Atonement:** Ultimately, the Old Testament sacrifices for unintentional sin, while effective for their time, were incomplete. They pointed forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Christ's atonement is comprehensive, covering all forms of sin—known and unknown, intentional and unintentional—for those who believe in Him. His sacrifice addresses the root problem of sin, not just its manifestations, offering a complete and eternal cleansing that the animal sacrifices could only foreshadow.
### Summary
`{{H7683}}` (*shâgag*) is a Hebrew verb meaning "to stray," "to err," or "to sin unintentionally." It is a vital concept in the Old Testament, particularly within the Mosaic Law, where it distinguishes sins committed through error or inadvertence from those committed with deliberate defiance. The legal provisions for unintentional sins, such as the sin offering, underscore God's justice in holding humanity accountable while simultaneously revealing His profound mercy in providing a path for atonement for unwitting transgressions. This distinction highlights human fallibility and the pervasive nature of sin, ultimately pointing to the comprehensive and perfect atonement offered through Jesus Christ, who cleanses all forms of sin for those who trust in Him.
TRV