סוּג (sug)
sug
to turn
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sug means to turn away, often with a sense of moving backward or retreating from a path. It appears nine times in the Old Testament, primarily in Psalms, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. The core idea is physical or spiritual movement that reverses direction, suggesting a departure from an intended course.
In its most common usage, particularly in the Qal stem, it describes backsliding or proving recreant to God. This is not merely a change of mind but a active turning away from covenant faithfulness. For instance, in Jeremiah 2:19, the word illustrates how Israel’s own choices drive them away from their protector. The imagery is one of repulsion or being driven back, highlighting the consequences of abandoning trust.
Etymologically, sug shares roots with words indicating turning or moving aside. Translators often render it as "backslide" or "turn away," capturing the dynamic nature of the departure. Unlike static terms for sin, sug emphasizes the motion of leaving a relationship or path, making it a vivid descriptor for spiritual drift in the prophetic and poetic books.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sug describes a turning away, often implying a retreat from a path or relationship. It captures the painful reality of backsliding, where trust is abandoned and direction is reversed. This movement is not neutral; it carries weight and consequence, reminding us that faithfulness requires intentional choice.
When we feel distant from God, this term invites honesty about our spiritual drift. It acknowledges that turning back is possible, as seen in the prayers of those who seek restoration. The hope lies in returning to the source of life, recognizing that every step toward God is met with grace.
This verb encourages us to examine our own paths. Are we moving forward in trust, or retreating into fear? By acknowledging our tendency to wander, we open ourselves to the steady guidance that restores our way. May we find courage to turn back to what truly sustains us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- those/ [who] have turned back1×
- they will be turned back1×
- they have turned1×
- may they be turned back1×
- and/ they turned back1×
- and/ they may be turned back1×
- [they will be] turned back1×
- [one] backslidden of1×
- I have turned back1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ס֣וּג1×
- נָסֹ֥גוּ1×
- נָסֹ֤גוּ1×
- נְסוּגֹֽתִי\׃1×
- נְסֹגִ֣ים1×
- יִסֹּ֣גוּ1×
- וַ/יִּסֹּ֣גוּ1×
- וְ/יִסֹּ֣גוּ1×
- הַ/נְּסוֹגִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 78:57
but turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers. They were twisted like a deceitful bow.
This verse uses sug to describe Israel's repetitive betrayal, comparing their unfaithfulness to a deceitful bow that fails when needed most.
-
Jeremiah 46:5
Why have I seen it? They are dismayed and are turned backward. Their mighty ones are beaten down, have fled in haste, and don’t look back. Terror is on every side,” says Yahweh.
Here the word illustrates military defeat and panic, showing how turning backward leads to disarray and terror on every side.
-
Zephaniah 1:6
those who have turned back from following Yahweh, and those who haven’t sought Yahweh nor inquired after him.
The prophet identifies those who have turned back from following Yahweh as a primary group facing judgment for their abandonment of covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sug mean?
How is sug different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)
Psalms 3 verses
Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonor. Let those who plot my ruin be turned back and…
Psalms 78:57but turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers. They were twisted like a deceitful bow.
Psalms 129:5Let them be disappointed and turned backward, all those who hate Zion.