intensive from עֲוַל; evil (morally); unjust, unrighteous, wicked.
Transliteration:ʻavvâl
Pronunciation:av-vawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻavvâl (`{{H5767}}`) is an intensive adjective derived from the verbal root ʻāwal (`{{H5765}}`), meaning "to bend, twist, act perversely or unjustly." As an intensive form, ʻavvâl denotes a heightened degree of moral crookedness, perversity, or injustice. Its core meaning revolves around a fundamental departure from what is straight, right, or equitable in a moral sense. The semantic range of ʻavvâl includes "unjust," "unrighteous," "wicked," and "evil," particularly in character or action. It describes not merely an isolated act of wrong, but often characterizes a person whose very being or habitual conduct is marked by moral deviation and inequity, representing a deliberate opposition to divine standards of righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻavvâl (`{{H5767}}`) appears in various Old Testament books, frequently in contexts that highlight moral corruption, oppression, and the contrast with divine or human righteousness.
* In the book of Job, ʻavvâl often describes the wicked and oppressive. Job laments being delivered into the hands of the ʻavvâl ([[Job 16:11]]), and the dwelling of the ʻavvâl is associated with those who do not know God ([[Job 18:21]]). The concept of calamity befalling the ʻavvâl is also presented ([[Job 31:3]]), underscoring divine retribution. Elihu challenges the idea of accusing a ruler of being ʻavvâl ([[Job 34:18]]), highlighting the gravity of such an accusation, and speaks of God's power to tread down the ʻavvâl ([[Job 40:12]]).
* The Psalms frequently employ ʻavvâl in prayers for deliverance from oppressors. The psalmist pleads to be delivered from the "deceitful and unjust (ʻavvâl) man" ([[Psalm 43:1]]) and from the "hand of the wicked (ʻavvâl)" ([[Psalm 71:4]]). Crucially, [[Psalm 92:15]] declares, "The LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness (ʻavvâl) in him," providing a profound theological contrast between God's perfect nature and human wickedness.
* In Proverbs, the ʻavvâl is presented as an antithesis to the righteous. [[Proverbs 29:27]] states, "An unjust (ʻavvâl) man is an abomination to the righteous," emphasizing the moral chasm between them.
* Isaiah uses ʻavvâl in a prophetic context, addressing those who are morally corrupt and mock God ([[Isaiah 57:4]]).
* Habakkuk's lament includes the profound question to God concerning His apparent tolerance of the ʻavvâl (the Babylonians) swallowing up those more righteous ([[Habakkuk 1:13]]), grappling with the problem of evil and divine justice.
Across these occurrences, ʻavvâl consistently denotes individuals or groups characterized by active injustice, moral perversion, and a lack of conformity to divine standards. They are often seen as oppressors, enemies of the righteous, and subjects of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ʻavvâl (`{{H5767}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **ʻāwal (`{{H5765}}`):** The verbal root from which ʻavvâl is derived, meaning "to act perversely or unjustly." ʻavvâl is the intensive adjectival form, describing one who is characterized by such actions.
* **ʻawlāh (`{{H5766}}`):** A feminine noun from the same root, meaning "injustice," "perversity," or "wickedness." While ʻavvâl describes the person or thing that *is* unjust, ʻawlāh refers to the abstract *quality* or *act* of injustice.
* **rāshāʻ (`{{H7563}}`):** "Wicked, guilty." This is a very common term for the wicked, often contrasted with the righteous (tsaddîq). While rāshāʻ can encompass a broader sense of moral guilt and depravity, ʻavvâl specifically emphasizes the aspect of perversion, crookedness, and injustice. There is significant semantic overlap.
* **ḥāmās (`{{H2555}}`):** "Violence, wrong." This term often refers to overt acts of physical or social injustice and oppression. The character of the ʻavvâl often manifests in actions of ḥāmās.
* **tsaddîq (`{{H6662}}`):** "Righteous, just." This is the direct antonym to ʻavvâl, representing conformity to God's standards of justice and uprightness. The biblical narrative frequently highlights the stark contrast between the ʻavvâl and the tsaddîq.
* **Concepts:** Justice, righteousness, perversion, crookedness, oppression, divine judgment, moral integrity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻavvâl (`{{H5767}}`) is profound, touching upon the nature of God, human sin, and divine justice.
* **God's Absolute Righteousness:** The most critical theological statement regarding ʻavvâl is found in [[Psalm 92:15]], which explicitly declares, "there is no unrighteousness (ʻavvâl) in him." This affirms God's perfect moral purity, His unwavering justice, and His absolute incorruptibility. God is entirely free from all perversity, injustice, or moral crookedness, setting Him apart from all human and cosmic evil. This truth forms the bedrock of biblical theology concerning God's character.
* **Human Sinfulness and Depravity:** The frequent application of ʻavvâl to humanity underscores the pervasive nature of sin and injustice in the world. It describes individuals whose character is intrinsically marked by a deliberate turning away from God's righteous standards. It's not merely an error in judgment but a deep-seated moral orientation that leads to oppressive and unrighteous behavior.
* **Divine Judgment and Retribution:** Because God is perfectly just and free from ʻavvâl, He cannot tolerate injustice indefinitely. The term often appears in contexts where divine judgment upon the wicked is anticipated or invoked. This provides a theological basis for the hope of the oppressed and a stern warning for those who practice injustice. God's justice demands that the ʻavvâl ultimately face reckoning.
* **The Plight of the Righteous:** The biblical narrative frequently portrays the righteous suffering at the hands of the ʻavvâl. This tension leads to fervent prayers for deliverance and cries for divine intervention, as seen in the Psalms and Habakkuk. The existence of ʻavvâl poses a significant challenge to faith, prompting questions about God's timing and methods of justice, yet always pointing to His ultimate vindication of the righteous.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻavvâl (`{{H5767}}`) is an intensive term denoting a person or action characterized by profound injustice, unrighteousness, and moral wickedness. Derived from a root meaning "to bend" or "to twist," it signifies a deliberate and often habitual departure from what is morally straight and equitable, frequently leading to oppression and harm. Biblical occurrences consistently portray the ʻavvâl as an enemy of God and His people, associated with pride, deceit, and a lack of knowledge of the Divine. Theologically, ʻavvâl highlights the pervasive nature of human sin and the certainty of divine judgment upon those who practice injustice. Most significantly, [[Psalm 92:15]] unequivocally declares that there is "no unrighteousness (ʻavvâl)" in the Lord, affirming His absolute moral purity and perfect justice, serving as a foundational truth that contrasts divine perfection with human perversity.
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