a primitive root; to distort (morally); deal unjustly, unrighteous.
Transliteration:ʻăval
Pronunciation:aw-val'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5765 (עֲוַל, *ʻăval*) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning of "to distort (morally)." This core concept implies a deviation from what is straight, right, or just. It is not merely an error or mistake, but a deliberate perversion or twisting of principles, laws, or ethical standards. From this foundational sense of moral distortion, the meaning extends to "to deal unjustly" and to be "unrighteous." The root thus describes an active state or action that violates justice, equity, and moral rectitude. Its primitive nature suggests it is a foundational term for understanding moral corruption in the Hebrew worldview.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the verb form H5765 itself appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[Job 33:27]]), its semantic force is powerfully conveyed through its numerous nominal and adjectival derivatives, most notably H5766 (עָוֶל, *ʻavel*, "injustice, iniquity, unrighteousness") and H5767 (עַוָּל, *ʻavval*, "unjust person, doer of iniquity"). These cognates fully embody the root's meaning.
In contexts where the concept of ʻăval appears, it is consistently contrasted with divine righteousness and human uprightness. For instance, H5766 is used to describe the absolute moral purity of God: "A God of faithfulness and without iniquity (`{{H5766}}`), just and upright is He" [[Deuteronomy 32:4]]. Similarly, [[Psalm 92:15]] declares, "that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness (`{{H5766}}`) in Him." These verses underscore that ʻăval represents the very antithesis of God's character.
Conversely, when applied to humanity, ʻăval denotes moral failing and sin. In [[Job 33:27]], the verb H5765 is used to describe a person confessing, "I have sinned and perverted (`{{H5765}}`) what is right, and it profited me nothing." This highlights the active nature of moral distortion. The noun H5766 frequently describes human sin and injustice, such as in [[Leviticus 19:15]], where the Israelites are commanded, "You shall do no injustice (`{{H5766}}`) in judgment." It is also linked to the actions of the wicked, as seen in [[Psalm 7:3]]: "If I have done this, if there is injustice (`{{H5766}}`) in my hands..." The concept is thus central to understanding human moral failing and the divine standard against which it is measured.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H5765 is closely tied to several other key Hebrew terms:
* **Direct Cognates:**
* H5766 (עָוֶל, *ʻavel*): The most common noun derived from H5765, meaning "injustice," "iniquity," or "unrighteousness." It often refers to the concrete manifestation of the root's meaning.
* H5767 (עַוָּל, *ʻavval*): An adjective or noun meaning "unjust," "wicked," or "a doer of iniquity," describing one who embodies ʻăval.
* **Antonyms and Contrasting Concepts:**
* H6664 (צֶדֶק, *tzedeq*): "Righteousness," "justice," the state of being morally correct and upright, the direct opposite of ʻăval.
* H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*): "Justice," "judgment," "ordinance," referring to the proper administration of law and equity, which ʻăval violates.
* H3477 (יָשָׁר, *yashar*): "Straight," "upright," "righteous," describing integrity and moral rectitude.
* H5307 (נָקִי, *naqi*): "Innocent," "blameless," free from guilt or ʻăval.
* **Broader Semantic Connections:** H5765 is conceptually related to terms for sin, wickedness, and perversion, such as H7451 (רָשַׁע, *rasha*, "wicked"), H2403 (חַטָּאת, *chatta't*, "sin"), and H6586 (פֶּשַׁע, *pesha*, "transgression"). It emphasizes the *distortion* aspect of moral wrongdoing.
### Theological Significance
The concept embedded in H5765 and its derivatives holds profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Character and Justice:** ʻăval serves as a crucial descriptor of what God is *not*. God is portrayed as utterly devoid of ʻăval, meaning He is perfectly just, righteous, and upright. His judgments are true, and His character is untainted by any form of moral distortion or injustice. This attribute forms the bedrock of trust in God's sovereignty and His administration of the world. The absence of ʻăval in God highlights His holiness and moral perfection.
2. **Human Sinfulness:** The presence of ʻăval in humanity underscores the fallen nature of humankind. It is not merely a passive state of imperfection but often an active perversion of what is good and right. Human ʻăval manifests in injustice, corruption, and a deviation from God's righteous standards and covenantal demands. It points to a deep-seated moral flaw that requires divine intervention and redemption.
3. **Ethical Imperative:** The condemnation of ʻăval in the Law and the Prophets establishes a strong ethical imperative for God's people to pursue justice and righteousness. Commands to "do no injustice" (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:15]]) reflect God's expectation that His people will mirror His character by shunning ʻăval in all their dealings, especially in legal and social contexts.
4. **Basis for Judgment and Redemption:** The presence of ʻăval in the world necessitates God's righteous judgment. Yet, God's ultimate plan is to eradicate ʻăval and establish His perfect righteousness through His Messiah, who embodies truth and justice without any trace of distortion.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5765 (עֲוַל, *ʻăval*) fundamentally signifies "to distort morally," leading to actions of injustice and a state of unrighteousness. While the verb form is rare, its profound meaning permeates the Hebrew Bible through its cognates, particularly H5766 (עָוֶל, "iniquity, injustice") and H5767 (עַוָּל, "unjust person"). Theologically, ʻăval serves as a stark contrast to the absolute righteousness and justice of God, who is utterly free from any moral distortion. Conversely, it powerfully describes the pervasive nature of human sin, manifesting as a perversion of divine standards and a failure to uphold justice. The biblical witness consistently calls for the rejection of ʻăval and the pursuit of righteousness, reflecting God's character and His ultimate desire for a world free from moral distortion.
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