from עָרַם, in the sense of stripping; bare; naked.
Transliteration:maʻărôm
Pronunciation:mah-ar-ome'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4636 (מַעֲרֹם, *maʻărôm*) denotes "nakedness" or "bareness." It is derived from the root עָרַם (*ʻārâm*), which carries the primary sense of being "bare," "stripped," or "uncovered." While the root can also suggest "shrewdness" or "cunning" (e.g., H6175), the noun H4636 specifically emphasizes the state of being physically uncovered or exposed. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical unclothedness to encompass states of vulnerability, shame, disgrace, and public exposure, particularly in contexts of moral or spiritual defilement. It represents a state of being utterly revealed, often in an undesirable or humiliating manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4636 appears in several key Old Testament passages, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Exodus 28:42]]**: Here, H4636 refers to the "nakedness" of the priests, which was to be covered by linen breeches when they ministered in the Tabernacle. This instruction underscores the necessity of modesty and propriety in the presence of a holy God, preventing any form of indecency that might profane the sacred space and the divine service. It highlights a practical application of holiness.
* **[[Exodus 32:25]]**: Following the sin of the golden calf, Moses sees that the people "were naked" (or "exposed"). In this context, H4636 signifies not merely physical unclothedness but a state of moral and spiritual exposure, vulnerability, and shame before their enemies, a consequence of their idolatry and rebellion against God. It denotes a loss of dignity and protection.
* **[[Deuteronomy 23:14]]**: This verse, part of the laws concerning the purity of the Israelite camp, states that the camp must be holy because the Lord walks among them. Any "nakedness" (implying defilement or impropriety) would cause God to turn away. Here, H4636 underscores the concept of ritual and moral purity required for God's continued presence, where "nakedness" represents something offensive to divine holiness.
* **[[Ezekiel 16:7]], [[Ezekiel 16:22]], [[Ezekiel 16:39]], [[Ezekiel 23:10]], [[Ezekiel 23:29]]**: In the prophetic book of Ezekiel, H4636 is used extensively and powerfully in metaphorical contexts, particularly in allegories depicting Israel and Judah as unfaithful wives or prostitutes. "Nakedness" here symbolizes the public exposure of their spiritual harlotry, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. It represents the stripping away of their honor, dignity, and protection, revealing their utter shame and disgrace as a consequence of divine judgment. This metaphorical usage emphasizes the profound moral degradation and the humiliating outcome of rebellion against God.
* **[[Habakkuk 3:13]]**: In this poetic passage, H4636 describes the "naked" foundation of the wicked, which is laid bare. This can imply complete destruction or utter exposure of their plans and wickedness, revealing their vulnerability and ultimate ruin before God's righteous judgment.
Across these occurrences, H4636 consistently carries connotations of exposure, vulnerability, and shame, often in relation to sin, impurity, or divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term H4636 is intimately connected to other Hebrew words from the same root עָרַם (*ʻārâm*):
* **H6172 (עֶרְוָה, *ervah*)**: This is arguably the most significant related term, also meaning "nakedness," "shame," or "indecency." While H4636 often refers to the *state* of being bare, H6172 frequently denotes the *act* or *condition* of indecency, often in legal or sexual contexts (e.g., "nakedness of a thing" in [[Deuteronomy 24:1]] for an improper matter). Both words convey shame and exposure, but H6172 often carries a stronger connotation of moral or sexual impropriety.
* **H6191 (עָרֹם, *arom*)**: This is an adjective meaning "naked" (e.g., [[Genesis 2:25]], [[Isaiah 20:2]]).
* **H5903 (עֵירֹם, *erom*)**: This is another noun for "nakedness," often used adverbially, "nakedly."
Conceptually, H4636 is linked to:
* **Shame and Disgrace**: The most prominent association, stemming from the post-Fall human condition ([[Genesis 3:7]]).
* **Vulnerability and Exposure**: A state without covering or protection.
* **Impurity and Defilement**: Particularly in cultic contexts or when associated with sin.
* **Divine Judgment**: The stripping away of dignity and protection as a consequence of sin.
* **Modesty and Holiness**: The counter-concept, where covering is required in God's presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4636 is profound, touching upon core biblical themes:
1. **The Fall and Human Shame**: While H4636 is not used in the Genesis account of the Fall, the concept of "nakedness" as a source of shame originates there ([[Genesis 3:7]]). H4636 consistently reflects this post-Fall reality, where being uncovered is associated with vulnerability, guilt, and the loss of innocence. It signifies a state of being exposed to judgment, both human and divine.
2. **Holiness and Purity in God's Presence**: The commands in Exodus and Deuteronomy regarding priestly attire and the purity of the camp ([[Exodus 28:42]], [[Deuteronomy 23:14]]) underscore that God's holiness demands a reverent covering and a pure environment. "Nakedness" here represents anything that would profane or defile the sacred space where God dwells, emphasizing the vast chasm between human imperfection and divine perfection.
3. **Sin, Judgment, and Spiritual Adultery**: In Ezekiel, H4636 becomes a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. Their "nakedness" is not merely physical but represents the stripping away of their covenant blessings and dignity due to their idolatry and betrayal of God. This exposure is a form of divine judgment, revealing their utter depravity and the humiliating consequences of their actions. It highlights God's righteous anger against sin and His commitment to covenant fidelity.
4. **Vulnerability and Trust**: Nakedness inherently implies vulnerability. In the biblical narrative, this can be a negative consequence of sin (exposure to enemies, shame) or, in other contexts (e.g., Job's [[Job 1:21]]), a recognition of utter dependence on God. H4636 primarily leans towards the former, emphasizing the perilous state of those exposed by their own sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4636 (מַעֲרֹם, *maʻărôm*) fundamentally denotes "nakedness" or "bareness." Its usage in the Old Testament extends beyond literal unclothedness to signify states of profound shame, vulnerability, and exposure, particularly in the context of sin and divine judgment. From the practical requirements for priestly modesty in [[Exodus 28:42]] to the moral and spiritual exposure of Israel's idolatry in [[Exodus 32:25]] and [[Deuteronomy 23:14]], and most vividly in Ezekiel's pronouncements of judgment against spiritual harlotry ([[Ezekiel 16:7]], [[Ezekiel 23:10]]), H4636 consistently highlights the consequences of impurity and unfaithfulness. It underscores the biblical truth that sin leads to a stripping away of dignity and protection, leaving one exposed and ashamed before a holy God. The term thus serves as a potent reminder of the need for purity, covering, and humble reverence in the divine presence.
TRV