denominative from עַיִן; to watch (with jealosy); eye.
Transliteration:ʻâvan
Pronunciation:aw-van'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָוַן (ʻâvan), designated as `{{H5770}}`, is presented in some lexicons as a denominative verb derived from the noun עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), meaning "eye." While עַיִן (`{{H5869}}`) primarily denotes the physical organ of sight, its semantic range extends to encompass concepts like a fountain or spring (as the "eye" of the earth), appearance, outlook, and even the "face" or "presence" in certain idiomatic expressions. The proposed verbal form עָוַן (`{{H5770}}`) would, by its denominative nature, signify an action related to the "eye." The specific definition provided, "to watch (with jealousy)," suggests a particular and often negative quality of sight: a gaze imbued with covetousness, envy, or possessive vigilance. This implies a semantic shift from the neutral act of seeing to a morally charged form of observation, where the "eye" is not merely an instrument of perception but a conduit for internal disposition and desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While Strong's `{{H5770}}` is defined as a denominative verb "to watch (with jealousy)," it is crucial to note that this specific verbal form with this meaning does not appear to be attested in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Biblical concordances and comprehensive lexicons (such as Brown-Driver-Briggs or HALOT) do not list occurrences of עָוַן (`{{H5770}}`) as a verb with this definition. The more common and distinct Hebrew words with similar spellings are עָוֹן (ʻawon, `{{H5771}}`), a noun meaning "iniquity," "guilt," or "punishment for iniquity," and עָוָה (ʻavah, `{{H5772}}`), a verb meaning "to bend," "twist," or "commit iniquity." The conceptual link between the "eye" and jealousy/envy is, however, well-attested in the Hebrew Bible through the noun עַיִן (`{{H5869}}`) itself, particularly in phrases like "evil eye" (עַיִן רָעָה, 'ayin ra'ah), which denotes stinginess, covetousness, or malevolent envy (e.g., [[Proverbs 23:6]], [[Proverbs 28:22]]). Thus, while the specific verb `{{H5770}}` is not found, the underlying concept of the "eye" as an instrument of jealous or covetous watching is biblically present, though expressed through other linguistic constructions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), from which `{{H5770}}` is theoretically derived. As noted, עַיִן (`{{H5869}}`) encompasses a wide semantic field, from the literal eye to metaphorical expressions of perception, understanding, and even disposition. Its association with "evil" (עַיִן רָעָה) directly connects to the concept of jealousy and covetousness.
Other words that are phonetically similar but semantically distinct, and thus important to differentiate, include:
* עָוֹן (ʻawon, `{{H5771}}`): "iniquity," "guilt," "punishment for iniquity." This is a highly significant theological term in the Old Testament, representing moral deviation and its consequences.
* עָוָה (ʻavah, `{{H5772}}`): "to bend," "twist," "commit iniquity." This is the verbal root often associated with עָוֹן (`{{H5771}}`).
The concepts of jealousy (קִנְאָה, qin'ah, `{{H7068}}`) and envy are frequently addressed in the Bible. Jealousy can be righteous (God's jealousy for His covenant, [[Exodus 20:5]]) or sinful (human envy, [[Proverbs 14:30]]). Covetousness (חָמַד, chamad, `{{H2530}}`) is explicitly forbidden in the Decalogue ([[Exodus 20:17]], [[Deuteronomy 5:21]]), highlighting the internal desire that often manifests through a "watching" or longing gaze.
### Theological Significance
Although the specific verb עָוַן (`{{H5770}}`) is not attested in the biblical text, the underlying concept of the "eye" as a window to the soul's disposition, particularly concerning jealousy and covetousness, carries profound theological significance. The Bible frequently uses the "eye" as a metaphor for one's inner state, intention, and moral outlook. A "good eye" (עַיִן טוֹבָה) signifies generosity and benevolence, while an "evil eye" (עַיִן רָעָה) denotes stinginess, envy, or malevolence. This reflects the biblical understanding that sin often originates in the heart and is expressed through actions, including the way one "looks" or "watches." The prohibition against covetousness in the Ten Commandments underscores that even internal desires, if unchecked, are sinful and destructive. God, in His holiness, is depicted as "watching" humanity (e.g., [[Psalm 33:13-15]]), but His gaze is one of omniscience, justice, and loving care, sharply contrasting with the human "jealous watch" motivated by sin. The absence of a specific verb `{{H5770}}` might subtly emphasize that "watching with jealousy" is not a neutral act but often falls under the broader category of sin or iniquity, captured by terms like עָוֹן (`{{H5771}}`).
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma עָוַן (`{{H5770}}`) is defined as a denominative verb from עַיִן (`{{H5869}}`, "eye"), meaning "to watch (with jealousy)." However, this specific verbal form is not attested in the Hebrew Bible. Despite the absence of direct biblical occurrences for `{{H5770}}`, the underlying concept of the "eye" as an instrument of jealous or covetous observation is deeply embedded in biblical thought. This is primarily conveyed through the noun עַיִן (`{{H5869}}`) itself, particularly in expressions like "evil eye" (עַיִן רָעָה), which denotes envy, stinginess, or malevolence. The theological significance lies in the biblical emphasis on the "eye" as a metaphor for one's inner moral state and the condemnation of covetousness and envy as fundamental sins, even if the specific verb `{{H5770}}` does not appear. It is crucial to distinguish `{{H5770}}` from the common and theologically significant terms for "iniquity," עָוֹן (`{{H5771}}`), and its verbal root עָוָה (`{{H5772}}`).
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