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.
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.
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.
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.
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