### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉrîyrûwth**, represented by `{{H8307}}`, defines a concept of **obstinacy**. Derived from a root meaning twisted or firm, its definitions include obstinacy, imagination, and lust. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently describing a stubborn and rebellious state of the heart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8307}}` is almost exclusively used to describe the willful disobedience of people who reject God's guidance. It is repeatedly linked to the phrase "the imagination of their evil heart" [[Jeremiah 11:8]]. This stubbornness is portrayed as the reason people refuse to listen to God's words, choosing instead to "walk in the imagination of their heart" and follow other gods [[Jeremiah 13:10]]. This state of mind leads to a dangerous self-deception, where one might bless himself and believe "I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart" [[Deuteronomy 29:19]]. Ultimately, as a consequence of this persistent rebellion, God gives them over to their own desires [[Psalms 81:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of this obstinacy:
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (the heart): This word is the constant companion to `{{H8307}}`, indicating that this obstinacy is an internal condition. Scripture condemns walking after "the imagination of their evil **heart**" [[Jeremiah 7:24]], identifying the heart as the source of the rebellion.
* `{{H4156}}` **môwʻêtsâh** (a purpose; counsel, device): This term reveals that the obstinacy of `{{H8307}}` is not passive but involves deliberate choices. The people are condemned because they "walked in the **counsels** and in the imagination of their evil heart" [[Jeremiah 7:24]].
* `{{H4284}}` **machăshâbâh** (a contrivance... intention, plan... device): Highlighting the premeditated nature of sin, the people declare they will follow their own **devices** and "do the imagination of his evil heart" [[Jeremiah 18:12]].
* `{{H7302}}` **râveh** (sated (with drink); drunkenness, watered): This word is used metaphorically to warn that following the heart's obstinacy leads to insatiable sin, as "to add **drunkenness** to thirst" [[Deuteronomy 29:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8307}}` is significant, as it pinpoints a core aspect of human sinfulness.
* **Root of Disobedience:** `{{H8307}}` is consistently identified as the source of Israel's covenant failure. They did not obey God's commands precisely because they "walked every one in the **imagination** of their evil heart" [[Jeremiah 11:8]].
* **Idolatry and Rebellion:** This inner stubbornness is shown to lead directly to the outward sin of idolatry. The people are described as having "walked after the **imagination** of their own heart, and after Baalim" [[Jeremiah 9:14]].
* **Divine Judgment:** A recurring theme is that God's judgment can take the form of allowing people to be consumed by their own obstinacy. In response to their rejection, He declares, "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' **lust**: and they walked in their own counsels" [[Psalms 81:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8307}}` is far more than a simple term for imagination. It is a potent descriptor of a twisted and hardened heart set on its own rebellious path. Its consistent pairing with disobedience, idolatry, and the "evil heart" marks it as a key biblical term for the internal disposition that drives humanity away from God. It illustrates how a fixed, stubborn mindset is the source of outward sin and a primary barrier to a covenant relationship with God.
TRV