### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâvôn**, represented by `{{H5771}}`, denotes perversity, moral evil, fault, and iniquity. It can also refer to the punishment associated with such acts. Appearing **230 times** across **213 unique verses**, `{{H5771}}` is a significant term for understanding the nature and consequences of sin in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5771}}` describes a state of moral corruption that creates a barrier between humanity and God, as stated in [[Isaiah 59:2]]: "your **iniquities** have separated between you and your God." This separation has dire consequences, leading to ruin [[Ezekiel 18:30]] and even death [[Ezekiel 3:19]]. The concept carries both individual and corporate weight; God visits the **iniquity** of fathers on their children [[Exodus 20:5]], yet each person is ultimately accountable for their own actions [[Ezekiel 18:20]]. Despite its severity, scripture consistently presents **iniquity** as something that can be forgiven [[Psalms 103:3]] and pardoned [[Micah 7:18]] by a merciful God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of sin and its implications:
* `{{H6588}}` **peshaʻ** (transgression): Defined as a revolt, rebellion, sin, transgression, or trespass. It is often used in parallel with `{{H5771}}` to describe an act of rebellion against God's authority [[Isaiah 53:5]].
* `{{H2403}}` **chaṭṭâʼâh** (sin, sin offering): This word refers to an offence, its penalty, or the sacrifice required for its expiation. It frequently appears alongside `{{H5771}}`, highlighting both the act of sin and its prescribed remedy [[Exodus 34:7]].
* `{{H5766}}` **ʻevel** (iniquity): This term for moral evil, perverseness, and unrighteousness is used to describe what was not found in the lips of a faithful priest, who in turn led many away from `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** [[Malachi 2:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5771}}` is profound, shaping core biblical doctrines.
* **A Barrier to God:** The word defines the separation caused by sin. [[Isaiah 59:2]] states that **iniquities** hide God's face so that He will not hear. This alienation is a direct result of moral perversity.
* **Vicarious Atonement:** The concept that one can bear the punishment for another's **iniquity** is powerfully illustrated. A servant figure is described as being "bruised for our **iniquities**" [[Isaiah 53:5]], and the LORD lays on him "the **iniquity** of us all" [[Isaiah 53:6]]. This figure ultimately makes reconciliation for **iniquity** [[Daniel 9:24]].
* **Divine Forgiveness:** Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God's character as one who pardons **iniquity** [[Numbers 14:18]]. In the new covenant, God promises, "I will forgive their **iniquity**, and I will remember their sin no more" [[Jeremiah 31:34]].
* **Consequences and Accountability:** While God forgives, `{{H5771}}` is linked to punishment. God "visits the **iniquity** of the fathers upon the children" [[Exodus 34:7]]. However, individual accountability is also stressed, with the principle that a son will not bear the **iniquity** of the father [[Ezekiel 18:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** is more than a simple word for wrongdoing. It captures the essence of moral perversity, the guilt it produces, and the punishment it deserves. It is a foundational concept that explains humanity's separation from a holy God [[Isaiah 59:2]], the cause of suffering and ruin [[Jeremiah 30:15]], and the profound need for divine intervention. Ultimately, the scriptures show that this deep-seated **iniquity** can be borne by a substitute [[Isaiah 53:11]] and pardoned by God's mercy [[Micah 7:18]].
TRV