### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שַׁעֲרוּרוּה (shaʻărûwrâh), Strong's number `{{H8186}}`, denotes "something fearful," "a horrible thing," or "an atrocity." Its etymological root is explicitly linked in its base definition to the sense of שָׂעַר (saʻar), `{{H8175}}`, which means "to shudder," "to be horrified," or "to bristle (of hair)." This connection is crucial, as it imbues the noun with a powerful emotional charge, signifying not merely something bad, but something so profoundly offensive or dreadful that it elicits a visceral reaction of shock, revulsion, and terror. The semantic range of שַׁעֲרוּרוּה thus extends beyond simple evil or wickedness, pointing to acts that are an utter affront to moral, spiritual, or even natural order, provoking a deep sense of horror.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שַׁעֲרוּרוּה appears primarily in the prophetic books, consistently describing acts of profound moral and spiritual depravity within Israel. Its limited yet potent usage underscores the extreme gravity of the actions it describes:
* In [[Jeremiah 5:30]], the prophet laments, "A horrible and dreadful thing has happened in the land." The context immediately following details this "horrible thing": prophets prophesy falsely, priests rule by their own authority, and the people love it so. This indicates a pervasive spiritual and moral corruption that has permeated the very leadership of the nation.
* [[Jeremiah 18:13]] declares, "Therefore thus says the Lord: Ask among the nations, Who has heard such a thing? The virgin Israel has done a most horrible thing." Here, Israel's apostasy, specifically turning away from Yahweh for idols, is described as unprecedented and uniquely abhorrent, even among pagan nations. It is a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship.
* [[Jeremiah 23:14]] speaks of the prophets in Jerusalem: "Also in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his evil; all of them have become like Sodom to me, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah." This passage highlights the extreme moral degradation and spiritual deception among those who should have been guides to righteousness, likening their depravity to that of Sodom and Gomorrah.
* In [[Hosea 6:10]], the Lord states, "In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing; Ephraim’s whoredom is there; Israel is defiled." This verse condemns the spiritual adultery of the northern kingdom, Ephraim (Israel), through idolatry and unfaithfulness, which has defiled the entire nation.
Across these occurrences, שַׁעֲרוּרוּה consistently points to grave offenses against God's covenant and moral law, particularly idolatry, false prophecy, and widespread moral corruption, which evoke divine indignation and human revulsion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שַׁעֲרוּרוּה includes terms that express various facets of evil, abomination, and dread, yet it carries a distinct emphasis on the *shocking* and *repugnant* nature of the act.
* **`{{H8175}}` (שָׂעַר - saʻar)**: As noted, this verb meaning "to shudder" or "to be horrified" is the direct semantic root, emphasizing the visceral reaction to the "horrible thing."
* **`{{H8441}}` (תּוֹעֵבָה - toʻēḇāh)**: "Abomination." This term frequently describes cultic or moral offenses that are detestable to God (e.g., idolatry, sexual perversions). While often overlapping in context with שַׁעֲרוּרוּה, תּוֹעֵבָה focuses on the *detestable* nature, whereas שַׁעֲרוּרוּה highlights the *horrifying* impact.
* **`{{H7451}}` (רָע - raʿ)**: "Evil," "wickedness." This is a broader term for moral wrong. שַׁעֲרוּרוּה specifies a particularly egregious and shocking form of evil.
* **`{{H6588}}` (פֶּשַׁע - peshaʿ)**: "Transgression," "rebellion." This term emphasizes a deliberate breach of covenant or law. The "horrible thing" is often a *form* of such rebellion that is especially heinous.
* The concept also stands in stark contrast to notions of holiness (קֹדֶשׁ - qōḏeš, `{{H6944}}`) and righteousness (צֶדֶק - ṣeḏeq, `{{H6664}}`), as the "horrible thing" represents a radical antithesis to God's character and His divine order.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שַׁעֲרוּרוּה is profound, illuminating several key aspects of biblical theology:
* **The Gravity of Sin:** The word underscores the extreme nature of certain sins in God's sight. It is not merely a transgression but an act so egregious that it elicits divine revulsion and horror. It highlights that some sins are not just wrong but are an absolute affront to God's holiness and character.
* **Breach of Covenant and Spiritual Adultery:** The consistent use of שַׁעֲרוּרוּה in contexts of idolatry, false prophecy, and moral corruption within Israel emphasizes the devastating impact of covenant unfaithfulness. These "horrible things" represent a profound betrayal of the unique relationship between Yahweh and His people, akin to spiritual adultery.
* **Prophetic Indignation and Warning:** The prophets employ this term to convey their deep anguish and shock over Israel's apostasy. It serves as a powerful warning, emphasizing that such "horrible things" will inevitably provoke God's righteous judgment and lead to severe consequences for the nation.
* **God's Uncompromising Holiness:** The very existence of acts described as שַׁעֲרוּרוּה underscores God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for radical evil and spiritual impurity. His reaction to these acts, which often involves bringing judgment, is a direct manifestation of His righteous character and His demand for covenant fidelity.
* **Depth of Human Depravity:** The use of this word also speaks to the profound depths of human depravity. When Israel, chosen by God, engages in practices that are even more shocking than those of surrounding pagan nations (as in [[Jeremiah 18:13]]), it reveals a radical corruption of the human heart and will.
### Summary
שַׁעֲרוּרוּה (shaʻărûwrâh, `{{H8186}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "something fearful," "a horrible thing," or "an atrocity." Derived from the sense of "to shudder" or "to be horrified," it describes acts that provoke deep revulsion and shock. In its biblical occurrences, primarily in Jeremiah and Hosea, it consistently refers to profound moral and spiritual depravity within Israel, particularly idolatry, false prophecy, and widespread corruption. These "horrible things" represent a grievous breach of the covenant, an affront to God's holiness, and a demonstration of extreme human depravity. The word underscores the severe gravity of certain sins, evoking both prophetic lament and divine judgment, and emphasizing God's righteous indignation against such heinous acts.
TRV