שֹׁעָר
𐤔𐤏𐤓
shôʻâr
H8182 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Describes that which is repulsive, abominable, or detestable, typically in the sense of moral or ritual abhorrence. The term conveys strong emotional repugnance and is used to characterize actions, objects, or persons regarded as extremely objectionable or offensive, especially in ethical or religious contexts. The semantic range includes both abstract and concrete references to that which is found loathsome or shamefully base.
Semantic Range
abominable, detestable, abhorrent, vile, repulsive, morally or ritually offensive, causing horror or disgust, extremely objectionable
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׁעַר (sh-'-r), which in extant usage seems to convey a sense of being abominable or detestable. The precise original root meaning is not widely attested elsewhere, and the root does not have a well-documented independent verbal stem in classical Hebrew, rendering the etymology somewhat uncertain. The derived noun שֹׁעָר carries the meaning of something or someone abhorred, possibly connected to the idea of something that stirs up strong negative feelings or horror.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שֹׁעָר appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, and its usage is typically limited to especially strong condemnations of persons or behavior. It serves as an intensifying noun of moral evaluation in texts concerned with purity, righteousness, or community health. Unlike other words for 'unclean' (e.g., טָמֵא) or 'abomination' (תוֹעֵבָה), שֹׁעָר is particularly rare and expresses exceptional vileness. Later translations, including the Septuagint and Vulgate, render it with words meaning 'evil' or 'abomination.' In post-biblical Hebrew, the term is largely absent, suggesting its use was archaic or highly specialized. English translations sometimes render it as 'vile,' 'horrid,' or 'detestable,' but these may not fully capture its strength within the ancient Israelite context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁעַר; harsh or horrid, i.e. offensive; vile.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׁער (sh-ʿ-r) — to be abhorred, to be detested, to be regarded as vile
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7778 | שׁוֹעֵר | the gate-guard |
| H8179 | שַׁעַר | in the gate |
| H8180 | שַׁעַר | reckoned measures |
| H8186 | שַׁעֲרוּרָה | appalling outrage |
| H8187 | שְׁעַרְיָה | and Yahweh-has-opened |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8182-01 |
הַ/שֹּׁ֣עָרִ֔ים | hashoarim | HTd/Aampa |
rotten | the detestable ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8182-01 |
Jeremiah 29:17 | הַ/שֹּׁ֣עָרִ֔ים | hashoarim | HTd/Aampa |
rotten | the detestable ones |