### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shôwbâb**, represented by `{{H7726}}`, is a term for the **apostate** or **backsliding**. Derived from the root word for "to turn back" `{{H7725}}`, it describes a state of rebellion and turning away from God. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, primarily in the prophetic books to characterize Israel's unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7726}}` is used to describe the spiritual condition of God's people. In Jeremiah, the Lord addresses Israel as "**backsliding** children," pleading with them to return to their covenant relationship with Him ([[Jeremiah 3:14]], [[Jeremiah 3:22]]). Isaiah uses the term to describe a person who, because of covetousness, "went on **frowardly** in the way of his heart," provoking God's wrath [[Isaiah 57:17]]. It is also used in a phrase with its root to describe how Israel's shepherds caused the people to go astray and **turned them away** on the mountains [[Jeremiah 50:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of turning away from God:
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back): This is the root from which `{{H7726}}` is derived. It is often used in direct contrast, as God calls the **backsliding** `{{H7726}}` people to **return** `{{H7725}}` to Him ([[Jeremiah 3:14]], [[Jeremiah 3:22]]).
* `{{H4878}}` **mᵉshûwbâh** (apostasy, backsliding): This noun form describes the state or act of turning away. It is used alongside `{{H7726}}` when God promises to heal the "backslidings" of his "backsliding children" [[Jeremiah 3:22]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word for "son" or "children" is frequently paired with `{{H7726}}`, framing apostasy as a familial betrayal, like a child turning from their father ([[Jeremiah 3:14]], [[Jeremiah 3:22]]).
* `{{H8582}}` **tâʻâh** (to go astray): This verb is linked to the actions that lead to the state of `{{H7726}}`. Unfaithful shepherds caused the people to **go astray** `{{H8582}}` and turned them away [[Jeremiah 50:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7726}}` is significant, highlighting the dynamics of sin and grace.
* **Relational Rebellion:** By describing the people as "**backsliding** children" ([[Jeremiah 3:14]], [[Jeremiah 3:22]]), the term emphasizes that sin is not merely breaking a law but violating a personal, covenant relationship with God as a Father.
* **Heart-Driven Apostasy:** The state of being **frowardly** `{{H7726}}` is explicitly linked to the inner condition of the "heart," driven by sins like covetousness, which in turn incurs divine wrath [[Isaiah 57:17]].
* **The Divine Call to Return:** The presence of **shôwbâb** is almost always accompanied by God's offer of restoration. The call to "Return, ye **backsliding** children" [[Jeremiah 3:22]] demonstrates that God's desire is not to condemn but to heal the very backsliding He identifies.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7726}}` is more than a simple descriptor of disobedience. It is a deeply relational term that captures the sorrowful state of turning away from a loving Father. It defines the core of Israel's apostasy as a stubborn, froward movement of the heart away from God. At the same time, its use in Scripture consistently sets the stage for God's persistent and gracious call for His people to return and be healed.
TRV