### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr, `{{H8182}}`) carries a strong negative connotation, conveying the sense of something being "harsh or horrid, i.e. offensive; vile." Its root, שָׁעַר (shaʻar, `{{H8175}}`), is multifaceted, often meaning "to estimate, calculate, or consider." However, another less common but relevant sense of the root is "to split open, shudder, or be terrified." This latter meaning particularly resonates with the definition of שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr), suggesting something so repulsive or abhorrent that it causes one to shudder or recoil in disgust. Thus, the word describes a quality of extreme vileness, not merely badness, but something utterly repugnant and worthless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr, `{{H8182}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly impactful and illustrative of its meaning.
* **[[Jeremiah 29:17]]**: "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Behold, I am sending on them the sword, famine, and pestilence, and I will make them like vile figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten.'"
In this solitary instance, שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr) is used to describe "figs" (תְּאֵנִים, tᵊ'ēnîm). The context is a prophetic pronouncement of judgment by the Lord against those who remained in Jerusalem after the initial exile to Babylon, particularly those who trusted in false prophets and resisted God's call to submit to Babylon. The imagery of "vile figs" is a direct contrast to the "good figs" mentioned in [[Jeremiah 24:2-3]], which represented the exiles whom God intended to restore. The "vile figs" are so utterly rotten and unfit that they "cannot be eaten," signifying their complete worthlessness and repugnance. This metaphor extends beyond mere physical decay to denote a deep spiritual and moral corruption that has rendered the people utterly abhorrent in God's sight and deserving of severe judgment (sword, famine, pestilence).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr, `{{H8182}}`) can be further understood by examining its relationship to its root and other terms denoting negative qualities:
* **Root שָׁעַר (shaʻar, `{{H8175}}`):** As noted, one aspect of this root can mean "to shudder" or "to be terrified." This aligns perfectly with the "horrid" or "vile" nature of שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr), implying something that evokes a strong, visceral negative reaction.
* **רַע (raʻ, `{{H7451}}`):** This is a very common and general Hebrew term for "bad," "evil," or "wicked." While שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr) certainly falls under the umbrella of "bad," it signifies a more extreme and specific form of "badness"—that which is utterly repulsive, spoiled, or beyond redemption.
* **תּוֹעֵבָה (toʻēḇāh, `{{H8441}}`):** This word translates to "abomination" or "detestable thing," often used for practices or objects that are offensive to God (e.g., idolatry, certain sexual sins). While שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr) describes the *quality* of being vile, תּוֹעֵבָה (toʻēḇāh) often refers to the *object* or *act* that embodies such vileness.
* **Fig Imagery:** The use of figs as a metaphor for people's spiritual condition is a recurring motif in the prophetic literature. Good figs represent faithfulness and divine favor, while bad or "vile" figs represent spiritual corruption, disobedience, and impending judgment. This imagery underscores the Lord's discernment between those who are truly His and those who are not, regardless of their outward appearance or claims.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr, `{{H8182}}`) in [[Jeremiah 29:17]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Repugnance:** The word is exclusively used in the context of God's severe judgment. It reveals that the Lord views the unrepentant and disobedient not merely as misguided, but as utterly "vile" and repulsive. This underscores the holiness of God and His utter intolerance for spiritual corruption.
* **Worthlessness of Unfaithfulness:** Just as rotten figs are useless and fit only for discarding, those who reject God's word and persist in their wickedness are deemed spiritually worthless in His eyes. Their actions and character make them unfit for His kingdom or His purposes, leading to their abandonment to the consequences of their choices.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The metaphor serves as a stark warning that outward adherence or geographical proximity to sacred places does not guarantee divine favor. True spiritual condition, marked by obedience and faithfulness, is what matters to God. Those who are שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr) are destined for destruction, highlighting the severe and inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against the Lord.
* **God's Discernment:** The imagery of good versus vile figs demonstrates God's perfect discernment. He sees beyond external circumstances to the true spiritual state of His people, distinguishing between those who are truly His and those who are not, even within the same community.
### Summary
שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr, `{{H8182}}`) is a powerful Hebrew adjective meaning "harsh, horrid, offensive, or vile." Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Jeremiah 29:17]] is highly significant, where it describes "vile figs," serving as a metaphor for the unfaithful inhabitants of Jerusalem destined for divine judgment. Derived from a root that can imply shuddering, the word conveys an extreme sense of repugnance and worthlessness. Theologically, שֹׁעָר (shôʻâr) highlights God's righteous judgment against spiritual corruption, emphasizing the worthlessness of unfaithfulness and the severe consequences for those who persist in disobedience. It powerfully illustrates God's discernment of true spiritual condition and His absolute intolerance for that which is abhorrent in His holy sight.
TRV