Word Study: Noun Assignment
Semaj Hazzard
OTCL 505: Hebrew Language Tools
February 16, 2025
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Introduction
Word studies serve as a crucial process as it pertains to understanding scripture. Through
word studies, we see the underlying truths within Scripture, more specifically, the original
message that the author was trying to convey to the reader. Throughout these studies, we become
drawn into a deep intimacy with the Word of God, especially when we seek to understand the
nouns the authors of the Bible used in its original language and literary context. The overall
purpose of this study will seek to show the depths of scripture while also showing the root and
meaning of a word that is found within Proverbs 11:1.
Most Important Word for Study
Proverbs 11:1 states, “Dishonest0scales0are0an abomination to the0Lord, But a0just
weight0is0His delight.” The key word of the selected scripture is abomination. Abomination is
important here because it shows the intensity of God’s dislike for dishonest scales. Essentially,
God hates dishonesty and cheating, which God deems as offensive and dishonoring to Him and
others, while God truly longs for us to be fair and honorable in our dealings with others.
The Hebrew Word from Which the English Word Was Derived
Three0Hebrew0words connote abomination: ה ָב ֵעוֹתּ (toʿevah), ץ ֶ
קֶ
שׁ (shekeẓ, sheqeẓ) or
ץוּקּ ִשׁ (shikkuẓ, shiqquẓ), and לוּגּ ִפּ (piggul);0toʿevah0is the most important of this group.1
The Usage of the Hebrew Word
The Hebrew Bible uses to’evah to refer to things, behaviors, or acts that are deemed
repugnant or repulsive in God's eyes. It frequently alludes to transgressions of the covenant
between God and Israel, idolatry, and immoral behavior. The word evokes a powerful feeling of
1“Abomination| Jewish Virtual Library.” Copyright 2025.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/abomination-jewish virtual-library.
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spiritual and moral disgust.2 From food prohibitions (Deut. 14:3), idolatrous practices (Deut.
12:31; 13:15), and magic (Deut. 18:12) to sex offenses (Lev. 18:22) and ethical wrongs (Deut.
25:14–16; Prov. 6:16–19), it is used in the Bible 116 times as a noun and 23 times as a verb.3
All the English Words Used for That One Hebrew Word
The first is the word itself, abomination. Abomination is particularly0forceful0in the King James
Version (KJV). It signifies that which0calls0forth0the deepest0distaste or hatred,0particularly0for
sin or idolatry. It is used both in the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Leviticus 18:22,
Deuteronomy 7:25).
The second is Detestable, used in0versions0like the New International Version (NIV).
It0is0employed0to draw attention to the0hateful,0objectionable, or0revolting0nature of the action
or0thing0in0question. Like "abomination," it refers to what is0not0acceptable0on
moral0or0on0grounds of personal0distaste, etc. (e.g., Ezekiel 16:22).
The third is Repulsive. Some of the newer translations0employ0this0one0to express the
idea of something0physically0detestable0or0morally0offensive. It0shows0up0in such
newer0versions0as the New Living Translation (NLT) (e.g., Proverbs 15:8).
Loathsome is number four. This synonym is used by some editions of the Bible, for
instance, the Revised Standard Version (RSV). It means something causing great distaste or
loathing, with an emphasis on a more physical reaction (e.g., Jeremiah 7:30).
Unclean is the fifth. "Unclean" is also employed where to'evah indicates ritual
uncleanness, particularly of acts or things prohibited in religious law (e.g., Leviticus 11:10,
Deuteronomy 14:3).
2 “Strong’s Hebrew: 8441. ה ָב ֵעוֹתּ (Toebah) -- Abomination, Detestable Thing.”
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8441.htm.
3 “Abomination| Jewish Virtual Library.” Copyright 2025.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/abomination-jewish-virtual-library.
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Lastly, there is the adjective Disgusting. In more recent translations, for example, the
New Living Translation (NLT), "disgusting" seems to indicate acts or rituals that are offensive or
morally reprehensible (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:9).
Hebrew to'evah0can0be translated to express seriousness of moral or ritual
sins,0typically0describing0behavior0or actions0offending0God in the Bible.
Consider How the Contextual Settings Influenced Each of the English Word Choices
The idea of to’evah was closely associated with the covenantal connection between God
and His people in ancient Israelite culture. To’evah practices were those that went against the
Law's requirements for holiness and purity. This comprised of unfair practices, sexual
immorality, and idolatry. The term highlights the call to holiness and adherence to God's
commands, reflecting the cultural and theological distinctions that distinguish Israel from other
countries.4
4 “Strong’s Hebrew: 8441. ה ָב ֵעוֹתּ (Toebah) -- Abomination, Detestable Thing.”
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8441.htm.
4
Conclusion
In short, the word "abomination" and its biblical equivalent, to'evah reveal profound
things about biblical spirituality and ethics. Both terms convey a sense of moral horror and God's
displeasure, typically describing actions, practices, or objects that are extremely objectionable to
God. From our exploration of various English translations for to'evah, such as "detestable,"
"repulsive," and "loathsome," we better understand the seriousness with which some behaviors
are treated in the biblical tradition. The0numerous0uses of to'evah0across0the Bible are a testament
to the0priority0that0is0laid on0purity, righteousness, and faithfulness in the relationship between
God and0man. Ultimately, the examination of this0word0is a testament to the0lofty0moral
standards0that0are0imposed0by0biblical0authority0on0believers0to0search0within
themselves,0consider0their actions, and strive to live as they would0desire0to0be0acceptable
unto0God.
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Bibliography
“Abomination - International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.” Blue Letter Bible.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=IT0000083.
“Abomination| Jewish Virtual Library.” Copyright 2025.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/abomination-jewish-virtual-library.
“Abomination - Meaning & Verses | Bible Encyclopedia.” Bible Study Tools.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/abomination.html
Roden, Chet. Elementary Biblical Hebrew: An Introduction to the Language and Its History,
2023.
Schmidt, Muhammad Wolfgang G. A.0A Hebrew-English Reference Manual to the Hebrew Text
of the Old Testament : Based on the Leningrad Codex and Strong’s Hebrew-English
Lexicon. Hamburg: Disserta Verlag, 2018.
“Strong’s Hebrew: 8441. הָבֵעֹוּת (Toebah) -- Abomination, Detestable Thing,”
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8441.htm.
