or עָוֶל; and (feminine) עַוְלָה; or עוֹלָה; or עֹלָה; from עֲוַל; (moral) evil; iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness).
Transliteration:ʻevel
Pronunciation:eh'-vel
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5766 (עֶוֶל, עָוֶל, עַוְלָה, עוֹלָה, עֹלָה) derives from the root עֲוַל (`{{H5765}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of bending, twisting, or being crooked. This core etymological sense is crucial for understanding its semantic range. H5766 refers primarily to moral evil, characterized by a deviation from what is straight, right, or just. It encompasses concepts such as iniquity, perverseness, unrighteousness, and injustice. Unlike חַטָּאת (`{{H2403}}`), which often denotes "missing the mark," עֶוֶל implies a deliberate distortion or perversion of truth, justice, or moral rectitude. It is a state or act of moral crookedness, a departure from the divine standard of integrity and fairness. The various forms of the word highlight its application to both the abstract concept of evil and specific acts of wickedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H5766 appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, frequently in contexts related to law, ethics, and the character of God.
In judicial settings, עֶוֶל denotes the perversion of justice, unjust dealings, or dishonest practices. For instance, [[Leviticus 19:15]] warns against doing עֶוֶל in judgment, emphasizing impartiality: "You shall do no עֶוֶל in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly." Similarly, [[Leviticus 19:35]] extends this to commercial integrity: "You shall do no עֶוֶל in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or quantity."
In moral and ethical contexts, it describes personal sin and wicked deeds. [[Job 6:29]] asks, "Please turn back, let there be no עָוֶל; yes, turn back, my righteousness is in it." Here, עָוֶל refers to the injustice or wrongness of Job's accusers' words. [[Psalm 7:3]] states, "O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is עֶוֶל in my hands." This speaks to personal moral culpability. [[Isaiah 59:3]] graphically portrays the depth of sin: "For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with עָוֶל; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness." This verse links עָוֶל with bloodshed, lies, and general depravity.
Crucially, עֶוֶל is consistently denied of God, underscoring His perfect righteousness. [[Deuteronomy 32:4]] declares, "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without עָוֶל; righteous and upright is He." This affirmation is echoed in [[Psalm 92:15]]: "To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no עַוְלָה in Him." These passages establish עֶוֶל as antithetical to the divine nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
H5766 stands in close relation to, yet distinct from, several other key Hebrew terms for moral failure and righteousness.
Its primary antonyms are צֶדֶק (`{{H6664}}`) and צְדָקָה (`{{H6666}}`), meaning "righteousness" or "justice," which signify conformity to a divine standard and straightness in conduct. עֶוֶל is the antithesis of this uprightness.
It often appears alongside or in parallel with other terms for sin:
* חַטָּאת (`{{H2403}}`): "sin," often implying missing a target or going astray. While חַטָּאת can be unintentional, עֶוֶל often carries a stronger connotation of deliberate perversion.
* פֶּשַׁע (`{{H6588}}`): "transgression" or "rebellion," emphasizing a breaking of covenant or a revolt against authority. עֶוֶל might describe the nature of the rebellious act.
* רָשָׁע (`{{H7563}}`): "wicked" (adjective or noun), describing a person or state of being. עֶוֶל is the iniquity or wickedness that a רָשָׁע person commits or embodies.
* שֶׁקֶר (`{{H8267}}`): "falsehood" or "lie." עֶוֶל is frequently associated with שֶׁקֶר, particularly in contexts of false witness or unjust speech, as seen in [[Isaiah 59:3]].
The concept of מִשְׁפָּט (`{{H4941}}`, "justice" or "judgment") is also closely related, as עֶוֶל represents the corruption or perversion of true מִשְׁפָּט.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5766 is profound. First and foremost, it defines what God is *not*. The consistent declaration that there is "no עֶוֶל" in God ([[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 92:15]]) establishes His absolute moral perfection, integrity, and unwavering righteousness. This forms the bedrock of biblical theology concerning God's character; He is utterly just and never deviates from His own perfect standards.
Secondly, עֶוֶל highlights the deep-seated nature of human sin. It's not merely an error but a moral twisting, a deliberate bending of the divine law and righteous path. Human עֶוֶל manifests in unjust social structures, corrupt legal systems, dishonest dealings, and personal moral failings. It signifies a profound spiritual crookedness that permeates human existence apart from God's grace.
The pervasive presence of עֶוֶל in the world underscores the necessity of divine intervention for redemption and restoration. Humanity, left to its own devices, consistently engages in עֶוֶל. The prophets often lament the עֶוֶל prevalent in society (e.g., [[Hosea 10:13]]). The ultimate answer to עֶוֶל is found in God's redemptive plan, which aims to establish true righteousness and justice where עֶוֶל once reigned.
### Summary
H5766 (עֶוֶל) is a potent Hebrew term signifying moral evil, iniquity, and injustice. Its core meaning stems from the idea of being twisted or crooked, vividly portraying a deviation from the straight path of righteousness and truth. In the biblical narrative, עֶוֶל is consistently affirmed as absent from God's character, underscoring His perfect justice and unwavering rectitude. Conversely, it is a pervasive characteristic of human sin, manifesting in corrupt judicial practices, dishonest dealings, and a fundamental perversion of moral order. עֶוֶל stands in stark opposition to צֶדֶק (righteousness) and מִשְׁפָּט (justice), highlighting the profound moral chasm between humanity's fallen state and God's holy nature. Understanding עֶוֶל is essential for grasping the depth of human sin and the absolute necessity of divine grace for true restoration and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.
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