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שַׁעֲרוּרָה (sha.a.ru.rah)

sha.a.ru.rah

horror

H8186 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun sha’arurah denotes a thing that inspires horror, revulsion, or intense shock. It describes actions or events so morally repugnant that they provoke a visceral reaction of disgust. In the prophetic literature, it is not merely an expression of surprise but a label for practices that violate deep social and religious boundaries.

This term appears in four verses, primarily within the books of Jeremiah and Hosea. The prophets use sha’arurah to condemn specific acts of idolatry and sexual immorality committed by Israel. For instance, Jeremiah 16:18 and Hosea 9:10 employ the word to describe behaviors that are abominable in God’s sight, marking them as corrupting influences that lead the nation toward judgment.

The root of the word relates to shaking or trembling, suggesting a physical response to something terrifyingly wrong. Translators often render it as "horrible thing" or "abomination," capturing the gravity of the offense. The consistent use in these prophetic texts highlights how such actions were viewed not just as legal violations but as spiritual defilements that shattered the covenant relationship.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word sha’arurah describes something so morally repugnant that it provokes visceral revulsion. It is not merely a surprise but a label for actions that violate deep social and religious boundaries. In the prophetic texts, this term highlights how certain behaviors were viewed as spiritual defilements that shattered the covenant relationship with God.

For believers today, this word serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin. It is not just about breaking rules but about damaging the intimate bond we share with our Creator. When we encounter passages describing such horrors, we are invited to recognize the depth of God’s holiness and the value He places on purity in heart and action.

Understanding this term helps us appreciate the gravity of repentance. It shows that God takes our spiritual health seriously, calling us away from anything that corrupts our witness and relationship with Him. This awareness can lead us to a deeper appreciation for grace and the transformative power of forgiveness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a horrible [thing]3×
  • and/ a horrible [thing]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • שַׁעֲרוּרָ֗ה1×
  • שַׁעֲרֽוּרִיָּ֑ה1×
  • שַֽׁעֲרֻרִת֙1×
  • וְ/שַׁ֣עֲרוּרָ֔ה1×

Key Verses

  • Jeremiah 5:30
    “An astonishing and horrible thing has happened in the land.

    This verse introduces the concept by describing an 'astonishing and horrible thing' that has occurred in the land, setting the stage for prophetic judgment.

  • Jeremiah 18:13
    Therefore Yahweh says: “Ask now among the nations, ‘Who has heard such things?’ The virgin of Israel has done a very horrible thing.

    Here, the 'very horrible thing' done by the virgin of Israel is highlighted as a unique breach of covenant loyalty that even other nations have not heard of.

  • Hosea 6:10
    In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing. There is prostitution in Ephraim. Israel is defiled.

    The prophet observes 'prostitution in Ephraim' as a horrible thing, linking spiritual unfaithfulness directly to moral corruption and defilement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word sha’arurah mean?

Sha’arurah refers to a thing that inspires horror, revulsion, or intense shock. It describes actions so morally repugnant that they provoke a visceral reaction of disgust, often used in prophetic literature to condemn idolatry and sexual immorality.

Where does sha’arurah appear in the Bible?

This term appears in four verses, primarily within the books of Jeremiah and Hosea. It is used to describe behaviors that are abominable in God’s sight, such as those found in Jeremiah 5:30, 18:13, 23:14, and Hosea 6:10.

How is sha’arurah different from other words for sin?

While many words describe general wrongdoing, sha’arurah specifically conveys a sense of horror and revulsion. It emphasizes the shocking nature of the offense and its capacity to defile the community and break covenant relationships.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Jeremiah 3 verses
Jeremiah 5:30

“An astonishing and horrible thing has happened in the land.

Jeremiah 18:13

Therefore Yahweh says: “Ask now among the nations, ‘Who has heard such things?’ The virgin of Israel has done a very…

Jeremiah 23:14

In the prophets of Jerusalem I have also seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen…

Hosea 1 verse