or עָוֶל; and (feminine) עַוְלָה; or עוֹלָה; or עֹלָה; from עֲוַל; (moral) evil; iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻevel**, represented by `{{H5766}}`, describes moral evil, iniquity, and perverseness. It appears 55 times across 51 unique verses. The term signifies a deviation from a divine standard of justice and is often translated as unrighteousness or wickedness, referring to actions, speech, or character that are fundamentally unjust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5766}}` is frequently used to establish a sharp contrast between the perfect character of God and the flawed nature of humanity. God is described as a being "without **iniquity**" [[Deuteronomy 32:4]], and it is stated that "no **unrighteousness**" is in Him [[Psalms 92:15]]. The Lord is just and will not do **iniquity** [[Zephaniah 3:5]]. In contrast, humans are warned against this failing. The law commands, "Ye shall do no **unrighteousness** in judgment" [[Leviticus 19:15]], and the prophets speak of people who "soweth **iniquity**" [[Proverbs 22:8]] or build cities by **iniquity** [[Habakkuk 2:12]]. The term can describe a righteous person turning to commit **iniquity** [[Ezekiel 18:24]] or "children of **wickedness**" who afflict God's people [[2 Samuel 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of moral and legal failure represented by `{{H5766}}`:
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil): This term for iniquity is used to describe the guilt and punishment of sin. In [[Malachi 2:6]], a priest who walked in equity is credited with turning many away from **ʻâvôn**.
* `{{H7562}}` **reshaʻ** (a wrong (especially moral); iniquity, wicked(-ness)): This word points to the state or act of wickedness. [[Hosea 10:13]] uses both terms together, stating, "Ye have plowed **wickedness**, ye have reaped **iniquity**."
* `{{H6662}}` **tsaddîyq** (just; just, lawful, righteous (man)): This word for a just or righteous person stands as the direct opposite of one who commits iniquity. An **unjust** `{{H5766}}` man is an abomination to the **just** [[Proverbs 29:27]].
* `{{H6664}}` **tsedeq** (the right (natural, moral or legal); equity): This term for justice and righteousness is set against `{{H5766}}`. [[Leviticus 19:15]] commands against **unrighteousness** `{{H5766}}` in judgment, stating instead, "in **righteousness** shalt thou judge thy neighbour."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5766}}` is significant, defining the nature of sin as a departure from a divine standard.
* **The Character of God:** The absolute absence of **iniquity** is a core attribute of God. He is the standard of all that is just and right, a rock in whom there is "no **unrighteousness**" ([[Psalms 92:15]]; [[Deuteronomy 32:4]]).
* **Human Culpability and Action:** Iniquity is not merely a passive state but an active choice. It is something that can be done [[Ezekiel 33:18]], spoken [[Isaiah 59:3]], sowed [[Proverbs 22:8]], and reaped [[Hosea 10:13]]. The law explicitly forbids it in legal and commercial matters ([[Leviticus 19:15]], 35).
* **Consequence of Iniquity:** Scripture directly links committing **iniquity** to severe consequences, most notably death. When a righteous person turns to **iniquity**, "for his **iniquity** that he hath done shall he die" [[Ezekiel 18:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5766}}` is a crucial term for understanding the biblical concept of moral failure. It is not a general term for "badness" but a specific word for perverseness, injustice, and a deliberate violation of the divine standard of righteousness. It defines the character of sin by contrasting it with the perfect justice of God and outlines the grave consequences for those who practice it.
TRV