The Hebrew word ʻăvîyl, represented by H5760, is a term for the ungodly or perverse (morally). Derived from עֲוַל, it is a highly specific and rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text.
The singular appearance of H5760 is in the book of Job, where Job laments his suffering. In his cry, he states that God H410 "hath delivered me to the ungodly" Job 16:11. The word is used to characterize the people into whose hands Job feels he has been unjustly placed. The verse further emphasizes this by stating God has "turned me over into the hands of the wicked," using a parallel term to intensify the description of these morally perverse individuals.
The context of H5760 is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its only appearance:
- H7563 râshâʻ (wicked): Used in direct parallel with ungodly in the same verse, this word means "morally wrong" or an "actively bad person." Its presence reinforces the character of those to whom Job has been delivered Job 16:11.
- H5462 çâgar (deliver): This root verb, meaning "to shut up" or "surrender," describes the action Job attributes to God. He feels he has been shut in or delivered over to the ungodly Job 16:11.
- H3399 yâraṭ (turn over): This word, which can mean "to be perverse" or "hurl headlong," is used to describe God turning Job over to the wicked, highlighting the feeling of a violent and precipitous transfer Job 16:11.
- H410 ʼêl (God): This term for God, meaning "mighty one" or "power," identifies the agent of Job's predicament. It is the mighty God who has delivered him to the ungodly Job 16:11.
The theological weight of H5760 is concentrated entirely within its single use, providing a sharp focus on specific themes.
- The Problem of Suffering: The term is a key component of Job's lament, giving a name to the malevolent human forces he perceives as the instruments of his pain. It defines them as morally perverse Job 16:11.
- Divine Sovereignty: Job's statement attributes his situation directly to God H410, who has "delivered" him to the ungodly. This highlights the challenging theological concept of God's sovereignty over suffering.
- Moral Contrast: The use of ʻăvîyl in parallel with râshâʻ (wicked) creates a strong depiction of evil. It is not just general hardship but a delivery into the hands of those who are actively and morally corrupt Job 16:11.
In summary, while H5760 is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its singular context in Job 16:11 gives it significant impact. It serves as a powerful descriptor for the morally perverse and ungodly. Its use captures a profound moment of human anguish, articulating the feeling of being surrendered by a sovereign God into the power of the wicked, and it remains a potent term for moral perversity within the biblical narrative.
TRV