### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7734}}` (שׂוּג, *sûwg*) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to retreat" or "to turn back." Its semantic range primarily denotes a movement away from a previous position, often implying a forced withdrawal or a reversal of direction. Unlike some broader verbs of turning, `{{H7734}}` specifically emphasizes the act of falling back, being driven away, or being put to flight. In its biblical occurrences, it consistently appears in the Niphal stem, rendering the sense "to be turned back" or "to be caused to retreat," indicating an action imposed upon the subject rather than an intentional turning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7734}}` in the Hebrew Bible are concentrated within the Psalms, where the verb is exclusively applied to the adversaries of the psalmist or of Zion. In each instance, it functions as part of an imprecation or a prayer for divine intervention against hostile forces.
* **[[Psalm 35:4]]**: "Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be *turned back* (יִסֹּגוּ) and brought to confusion that devise my hurt." Here, the psalmist prays for the strategic and physical retreat of his persecutors, leading to their humiliation.
* **[[Psalm 40:14]]**: "Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be *driven backward* (יִסֹּגוּ) and put to shame that wish me evil." This echoes the sentiment of [[Psalm 35:4]], seeking divine action to reverse the malicious intentions of enemies.
* **[[Psalm 70:2]]**: "Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be *turned backward* (יִסֹּגוּ), and put to confusion, that desire my hurt." This verse is a near-verbatim repetition of [[Psalm 40:14]], reinforcing the plea for the adversaries' retreat and confusion.
* **[[Psalm 129:5]]**: "Let them all be confounded and *turned back* (יִסֹּגוּ) that hate Zion." In this communal psalm, the prayer extends to all who oppose God's holy city and people, wishing for their ultimate defeat and withdrawal.
Across these contexts, `{{H7734}}` consistently describes the desired outcome for the wicked: their plans are thwarted, their aggression is reversed, and they are forced into a humiliating retreat by divine power. The passive form (Niphal) underscores that this reversal is not of their own volition but is imposed upon them.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H7734}}` specifically denotes a forced retreat, it exists within a broader semantic field of "turning" and "returning" in Hebrew.
* **`{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*)**: This is a much more common and expansive verb meaning "to turn," "to return," "to restore," or "to repent." While `{{H7734}}` implies a withdrawal, `{{H7725}}` can signify turning towards or away, physically or morally. The concept of "backsliding" (e.g., [[Proverbs 14:14]]) is typically derived from `{{H7725}}` (via `{{H4878}}`, מְשׁוּבָה), referring to spiritual apostasy, which is distinct from the physical/strategic retreat conveyed by `{{H7734}}`.
* **`{{H0268}}` (אָחוֹר, *'achor*)**: This adverb means "backward" or "behind" and is often used in conjunction with verbs of turning to specify a backward movement.
* **Concepts**: The word `{{H7734}}` is closely associated with concepts such as defeat, humiliation, divine intervention, and the frustration of wicked schemes. It speaks to the reversal of fortune for those who oppose God and His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7734}}` is deeply rooted in the psalmist's understanding of divine justice and sovereignty. The repeated prayer for enemies to be "turned back" reflects:
1. **Divine Protection and Vindication**: The word underscores God's role as the protector of the righteous. When His people are assailed, they appeal to Him to intervene and cause their adversaries to retreat, thereby demonstrating His power and vindicating His faithful ones.
2. **Sovereignty Over Evil**: `{{H7734}}` portrays God as actively capable of thwarting wicked intentions. He is not merely a passive observer but one who can directly intervene in human affairs to reverse the course of evil and bring confusion upon those who plot harm.
3. **The Humiliation of the Wicked**: The turning back of enemies is invariably linked with their shame and confusion. This serves as a powerful theological statement: those who oppose God's purposes will ultimately face humiliation and defeat, while the righteous will be upheld. It reinforces the biblical principle that evil will not ultimately triumph.
4. **Confidence in Prayer**: The use of this verb in imprecatory prayers highlights the psalmist's profound trust that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, exercising His power to deliver them from oppression.
### Summary
`{{H7734}}` (שׂוּג, *sûwg*) is a Hebrew primitive root meaning "to retreat" or "to turn back," primarily in the sense of being forced to withdraw. Its occurrences are limited to the Psalms ([[Psalm 35:4]], [[Psalm 40:14]], [[Psalm 70:2]], [[Psalm 129:5]]), where it consistently appears in the Niphal stem, "to be turned back." In these contexts, it is a fervent prayer or declaration that the enemies of the righteous or of Zion will be divinely caused to retreat, be confounded, and brought to shame. Theologically, `{{H7734}}` powerfully conveys God's protective sovereignty, His ability to thwart wicked schemes, and the ultimate humiliation of those who oppose His will, thereby assuring His people of His active intervention and justice. It is distinct from the broader concept of spiritual "backsliding" (related to `{{H7725}}`), focusing instead on the external defeat of adversaries.
TRV