The Hebrew word sâṭâh, represented by H7847, is a primitive root that means to deviate from duty; decline, go aside, turn. It appears a total of 6 times in 6 unique verses, highlighting specific moments of departure from a correct path or relationship. Its meaning centers on the act of turning away from an established standard or covenant.
In its biblical usage, H7847 carries both a literal and a deeply relational meaning. The most prominent context is in the "law of jealousies" found in the book of Numbers. Here, the phrase "goeth aside" is used repeatedly to describe a wife who is suspected of being unfaithful to her husband (Numbers 5:12, Numbers 5:29). This act of "going aside" is explicitly linked with committing a trespass Numbers 5:12 and becoming defiled Numbers 5:20. In Proverbs, the term is used in a moral sense, warning a person not to let their heart decline toward the ways of a forbidden woman Proverbs 7:25 and to turn from the path of the wicked Proverbs 4:15.
Several related words help clarify the consequences and nature of "going aside":
- H4603 mâʻal (to act covertly, i.e. treacherously; transgress): This word is used alongside H7847 to define a wife's deviation as a "trespass" against her husband, indicating a treacherous breach of trust Numbers 5:12.
- H2930 ṭâmêʼ (to be foul...defile): The act of going aside leads directly to a state of being "defiled." This term emphasizes that deviating from one's duty results in moral and ceremonial contamination Numbers 5:20.
- H8582 tâʻâh (to...stray): Used in parallel with H7847, this word reinforces the idea of moral wandering. A warning is given not to let the heart "decline" H7847 or "go not astray" H8582, framing deviation as a form of getting lost from the right path Proverbs 7:25.
The theological weight of H7847 is centered on the concepts of faithfulness, duty, and purity.
- Covenantal Unfaithfulness: The primary application in Numbers establishes "going aside" as the definitive term for breaking a covenant, specifically the marital bond. It describes the action that instigates the "law of jealousies" H7068, treating the deviation as a serious trespass (Numbers 5:12, Numbers 5:29).
- Moral Deviation: Proverbs extends the concept from a specific legal case to a general principle of moral living. One must actively turn from evil Proverbs 4:15 and guard the heart from declining into sin Proverbs 7:25, illustrating a personal responsibility to stay on the path of wisdom.
- Deviation and Defilement: The word consistently links the act of turning aside with a state of impurity. In Numbers, a woman who has "gone aside" is considered defiled and subject to uncleanness H2932, showing that a breach of duty has spiritual and physical consequences Numbers 5:19-20.
In summary, H7847 is a potent term for the act of deviation. Though used sparingly, it powerfully illustrates the critical moment of turning away from a prescribed duty. Whether in the legal context of marital faithfulness in Numbers or the moral warnings in Proverbs, sâṭâh defines the initial step that constitutes a trespass, leads to defilement, and breaks a sacred trust. It captures the essential idea of straying from the path of righteousness and covenant.
TRV