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.