the same as אָוֶן; idolatry; Aven, the contemptuous synonym of three places, one in Coele-Syria, one in Egypt (On), and one in Palestine (Bethel); Aven. See also אוֹן, בֵּית אָוֶן.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÂven**, represented by `{{H206}}`, is a contemptuous synonym for places associated with idolatry. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to rename locations like Bethel in Palestine and On in Egypt, branding them as sites of iniquity and corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H206}}` is consistently linked to sin and divine judgment. The prophet Hosea identifies "the high places also of **Aven**" as "the sin of Israel" which "shall be destroyed" [[Hosea 10:8]]. Amos prophesies that God will "cut off the inhabitant from the plain of **Aven**" as part of a judgment that includes the people of Syria going into captivity [[Amos 1:5]]. Similarly, Ezekiel foretells that "The young men of **Aven**... shall fall by the sword" and its cities "shall go into captivity" [[Ezekiel 30:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of judgment surrounding `{{H206}}`:
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (an elevation; height, high place, wave): These were sites of illicit worship. The high places of Aven are explicitly marked for destruction [[Hosea 10:8]].
* `{{H2403}}` **chaṭṭâʼâh** (an offence... and its penalty... sin): This word is used to directly define Aven, with Hosea calling it "the **sin** of Israel" [[Hosea 10:8]].
* `{{H8045}}` **shâmad** (to desolate; destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, utterly): This describes the ultimate fate of the idolatrous sites associated with Aven [[Hosea 10:8]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (drought; also a cutting instrument... as a knife, sword): This is the instrument of judgment brought against the people of Aven [[Ezekiel 30:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H206}}` serves as a stark warning against idolatry.
* **Symbol of Iniquity:** Aven is not merely a geographical location but becomes a divine label for any place defined by its sin. It is explicitly called "the **sin** of Israel" [[Hosea 10:8]], demonstrating that idolatry redefines a place's identity in God's eyes.
* **Inevitable Judgment:** Every mention of Aven is tied to a prophecy of its downfall. Its people face being "cut off" [[Amos 1:5]], falling by the "sword" [[Ezekiel 30:17]], going into "captivity" [[Ezekiel 30:17]], and seeing their places of worship "destroyed" [[Hosea 10:8]].
* **Desecration of Worship:** The judgment on Aven's "altars" `{{H4196}}` is one of desolation, with thorns and thistles coming up on them, signifying a complete and final end to their profane use [[Hosea 10:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H206}}` 'Âven is a powerful biblical term representing more than just a name. It is a symbol for places corrupted by idolatry, serving as a prophetic archetype for sites that provoke divine judgment. Its appearances in scripture consistently connect sinful worship with destruction, captivity, and desolation, illustrating the severe consequences of turning away from God.
TRV