or (by permutation) סוּט; a primitive root; to detrude, i.e. (intransitively and figuratively) become derelict (wrongly practise; namely, idolatry); turn aside to.
Transliteration:sûwṭ
Pronunciation:soot
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H7750 (שׂוּט, sûwṭ) conveys the primary sense of turning aside or deviating from an established or proper course. Its base definition, "to detrude," suggests a forceful displacement or pushing away, but its intransitive and figurative application clarifies the meaning as "to become derelict" or "to wrongly practice." Crucially, the definition explicitly links this deviation to "idolatry" and a general "turning aside to" something improper or unfaithful. This root therefore describes a spiritual or moral digression, a departure from faithfulness or prescribed conduct, with a strong emphasis on religious apostasy. The note of permutation with סוּט suggests a potential phonetic or semantic relationship with other roots involving movement or turning, though the specific focus here is on the negative connotation of deviation and dereliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H7750 is notably rare in the Masoretic Text and is often considered a proposed emendation by scholars for certain difficult passages, rather than a directly attested lexeme in its own right. Its most frequently cited potential occurrence is in [[Hosea 4:10]]. In this verse, the Masoretic Text reads "לִשְׁמֹר" (lishmor), meaning "to observe" or "to take heed," in the phrase "because they have left off to take heed to the LORD." Some scholars, recognizing the strong context of Israel's pervasive spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry in Hosea, propose an emendation to "לָשׂוּט" (lasut), derived from H7750, which would then mean "to turn aside" or "to deviate" from the LORD.
If this proposed reading is adopted, the verse would powerfully convey that Israel's lack of sustenance and inability to increase (due to their whoredom) is a direct consequence of their *turning aside* from Yahweh. This aligns perfectly with the provided definition of H7750 as "wrongly practice; namely, idolatry." The broader context of Hosea 4 is replete with accusations of spiritual prostitution, sacrifice to idols, and a general abandonment of covenant loyalty, making the concept of "turning aside" to idolatry highly fitting. Even if an emendation, the *conceptual* weight of H7750 as a deviation into unfaithfulness is profoundly relevant to prophetic discourse concerning Israel's apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H7750 intersects with several other Hebrew terms that describe deviation, apostasy, and unfaithfulness in the biblical text:
* `{{H5493}}` (סוּר, sûr): "to turn aside," "to depart." This is a very common verb for turning away from God's commands or path, often with negative connotations.
* `{{H8159}}` (שָׁגָה, shaghah): "to go astray," "to err," often implying unintentional error but can also denote moral wandering or deviation.
* `{{H6148}}` (עָזַב, 'azav): "to forsake," "to abandon." This term frequently describes Israel's abandonment of the Lord or His covenant.
* `{{H2181}}` (זָנָה, zanah): "to commit fornication," frequently used metaphorically in the prophets to describe Israel's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness, as seen prominently in Hosea.
* `{{H7751}}` (שׂוּט, sûwṭ): While phonetically similar, this root generally means "to go to and fro" or "to scourge." Though not directly semantically linked in its primary uses, the idea of "turning" or "moving" is present, albeit with a different trajectory and implication. The note of permutation with H7750 suggests a possible ancient linguistic connection or confusion.
These related terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the various ways in which humanity, particularly covenant people, can deviate from the divine standard, with H7750 specifically emphasizing the dereliction and wrongful practice, especially idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by H7750—that of turning aside into dereliction and idolatry—holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative. It speaks directly to the nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. God calls for exclusive devotion and faithfulness, and any "turning aside" (שׂוּט), particularly into the worship of other gods, constitutes a fundamental breach of this covenant.
The specific link to "idolatry" highlights the gravest form of spiritual deviation. Idolatry is not merely a misstep; it is a fundamental betrayal of God's uniqueness and sovereignty. It represents a transference of worship and allegiance from the true God to false gods or human constructs, leading to spiritual barrenness, judgment, and the forfeiture of divine blessings, as vividly depicted in prophetic books like Hosea.
The theological implication is a stark warning: deviation from God's path, especially into the practice of idolatry, inevitably leads to detrimental consequences for individuals and communities. It underscores the importance of steadfast obedience, vigilance against external influences that promote syncretism or apostasy, and the constant need for repentance and return to the Lord. The very notion of this root, even as a proposed emendation, underscores the severity and specificity of this particular form of turning away—a deep-seated abandonment of true worship for false practice.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H7750 (שׂוּט, sûwṭ), though rare and often considered a proposed emendation in biblical texts such as [[Hosea 4:10]], encapsulates the critical theological concept of spiritual deviation. Its core meaning signifies "to turn aside," "to become derelict," or "to wrongly practice," with a specific and potent association with "idolatry." This deviation represents a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, leading to spiritual and societal consequences. The concept of H7750 serves as a solemn reminder of the imperative for exclusive devotion to Yahweh and the severe repercussions of turning away into unfaithfulness and false worship.
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