or perhaps (עַיּוֹת (as if plural of עַי) (עַיוּת; from עָוָה; ruin; Avvith (or Avvoth), a place in Palestine; Avith.
Transliteration:ʻĂvîyth
Pronunciation:av-veeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5762 (עֲוִית, ʻĂvîyth), transliterated as Avith, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition, "ruin," stems directly from the verbal root עָוָה (H5753), which signifies "to bend," "to twist," "to pervert," or "to commit iniquity," and by extension, "to ruin" or "to lay waste." Thus, the name Avith inherently carries the semantic weight of desolation, destruction, or a place characterized by ruins. The Strong's definition also suggests a possible connection to עַיּוֹת (Ayot), as if a plural of עַי (H5857), which itself means "heap of ruins" or refers to the city of Ai, known for its eventual destruction. This dual etymological suggestion reinforces the core meaning of a place associated with ruin or a state of being laid waste. While a proper noun, its very name speaks to a condition or history of devastation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Avith (H5762) appears in the Hebrew Bible in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings. It is cited as the city from which Hadad, one of the kings who reigned in Edom before the kings of Israel, originated.
* [[Genesis 36:35]]: "When Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:46]]: "When Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith."
In both instances, Avith serves as a geographical identifier for King Hadad. The context is purely historical and genealogical, listing the succession of Edomite rulers. While the name itself means "ruin," the text provides no explicit narrative details about the state of Avith at the time of Hadad's reign, nor does it suggest that the city was literally in ruins. It is simply presented as a place name. The significance, therefore, lies not in a descriptive account of the city's condition, but in the inherent meaning of the name itself, which may reflect an ancient historical event or a characteristic of the locale prior to its prominence as a royal city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for H5762 is its root, עָוָה (H5753). This verb is fundamental to understanding the theological implications of "ruin," as it often relates to moral perversion, iniquity, and the resulting divine judgment or desolation. Other related terms and concepts include:
* **עַי (H5857):** As noted in the Strong's definition, עַי (Ay) means "heap of ruins" and is the name of a city famously destroyed by Israel under Joshua's leadership ([[Joshua 8:28]]). The proposed connection between Avith and עַיּוֹת (as a plural of עַי) strengthens the semantic field of destruction and desolation.
* **עָוֹן (H5771):** Derived from the same root עָוָה, this noun means "iniquity," "guilt," or "punishment for iniquity." This connection highlights how the concept of "ruin" can be intrinsically linked to moral transgression in biblical thought.
* **חָרְבָּה (H2723):** Meaning "desolation," "waste," or "ruin," this noun is frequently used to describe the state of cities or lands laid waste due to divine judgment or warfare ([[Isaiah 6:11]]).
* **שְׁמָמָה (H8077):** Another term for "desolation" or "waste," often used in prophetic contexts to describe the consequences of Israel's disobedience ([[Jeremiah 2:15]]).
These related words demonstrate a consistent biblical vocabulary for expressing states of ruin, often tied to human sin and divine consequence, even if Avith itself is only a geographical marker in a genealogy.
### Theological Significance
While Avith is merely a place name in a genealogical list, its etymological root עָוָה (H5753) carries profound theological weight. This root is frequently associated with moral perversion, iniquity, and the subsequent divine judgment that leads to ruin or desolation. The very name Avith, meaning "ruin," subtly points to a broader biblical truth: that the physical landscape and the names given to places can reflect deeper spiritual realities or historical events marked by human sin or divine action.
In a broader sense, the existence of a place named "Ruin" within the lineage of Edomite kings, a nation often portrayed as antagonistic to Israel, might implicitly underscore the transient nature of human kingdoms and the eventual judgment upon those who oppose God's purposes. Although the text does not elaborate on Avith's specific theological role, the consistency of biblical nomenclature, where names often reflect character or destiny, invites reflection on the pervasive theme of human brokenness and the divine response to iniquity, even in seemingly minor geographical references. It serves as a quiet reminder that even the places of human habitation bear witness to the consequences of a fallen world.
### Summary
Avith (H5762, עֲוִית) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a city in Edom, identified as the home of King Hadad in the genealogies found in [[Genesis 36:35]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:46]]. Its core meaning, "ruin" or "desolation," stems from the verbal root עָוָה (H5753), which signifies "to twist," "to pervert," or "to lay waste," and is also conceptually linked to עַי (H5857), meaning "heap of ruins." While its biblical occurrences are limited to a geographical marker, the etymology of the name subtly connects it to broader biblical themes of human iniquity (עָוֹן - `{{H5771}}`) and the resulting desolation (חָרְבָּה - `{{H2723}}`, שְׁמָמָה - `{{H8077}}`). Though not explicitly elaborated in the text, the name Avith serves as a quiet witness to the pervasive biblical understanding that even the names of places can reflect the consequences of a world marked by sin and the potential for divine judgment.
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