### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shârash**, represented by `{{H8327}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to root**. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries a dual meaning, signifying both the act of striking into the soil to become established and the opposite action of being plucked from it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical application, `{{H8327}}` is used to illustrate divine blessing and judgment. In a positive sense, God promises that Jacob will **take root**, allowing Israel to blossom and fill the world with fruit [[Isaiah 27:6]]. Similarly, God is described as preparing room for his people, causing them to **take deep root** and fill the land [[Psalms 80:9]]. Conversely, the word depicts severe judgment, as God threatens to **root out** the wicked from the land of the living [[Psalms 52:5]]. The foolish may be seen **taking root**, but their habitation is suddenly cursed [[Job 5:3]], and the unrighteous will not **take root** in the earth [[Isaiah 40:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the agricultural metaphor of being rooted:
* `{{H8328}}` **sheresh** (a root): This is the noun form of `{{H8327}}` and refers to the root itself. It is used in [[Psalms 80:9]] to emphasize the action of causing something to take deep **root**.
* `{{H5193}}` **nâṭaʻ** (to plant): This action often precedes taking root. In [[Isaiah 40:24]], the unrighteous are described as those who will not be planted and thus not **take root**. The wicked in [[Jeremiah 12:2]] are planted and have **taken root**, yet they are far from God.
* `{{H5255}}` **nâçach** (to pluck, root): This word describes the destructive counterpart to taking root. It is used alongside `{{H8327}}` in [[Psalms 52:5]], where God will **pluck thee out** and **root thee out** of the dwelling place.
* `{{H6524}}` **pârach** (to blossom, bud, flourish): This represents the positive outcome of taking root. In [[Isaiah 27:6]], after Jacob is caused to **take root**, Israel will bud and **blossom**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8327}}` centers on the themes of divine establishment and judgment.
* **Establishment and Fruitfulness:** Taking root is a direct result of God's favor, leading to stability, growth, and fruitfulness for His people ([[Isaiah 27:6]], [[Psalms 80:9]]). It signifies a secure and blessed existence under His provision.
* **Divine Judgment:** To be "rooted out" is a metaphor for complete removal and destruction. This judgment is applied to the wicked [[Psalms 52:5]] and serves as a curse for sin, affecting one's offspring and increase ([[Job 31:8]], [[Job 31:12]]).
* **The Deception of Wickedness:** Scripture acknowledges that the wicked may appear to prosper and **take root** ([[Jeremiah 12:2]], [[Job 5:3]]). However, this rootedness is ultimately false or temporary, as their hearts are far from God and their end is destruction [[Isaiah 40:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8327}}` is a vivid verb that conveys profound truths about security and peril. It illustrates that true, lasting rootedness is a divine gift that results in life and blessing, while the act of being rooted out signifies a final and decisive judgment. The word serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual stability is dependent on God's favor, not merely on outward appearances of success.
TRV