or עָווֹן; (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (אֲבַד)), from עָוָה; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.
Transliteration:ʻâvôn
Pronunciation:aw-vone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5771 (עָוֺן, *ʻâvôn*) is deeply rooted in the verbal stem H5753 (עָוָה, *ʻâvâh*), which fundamentally means "to bend, twist, distort, or pervert." From this foundational meaning, *ʻâvôn* acquires its primary semantic range, denoting a moral deviation, a crookedness or perversity that stands in opposition to what is straight, right, or just in the eyes of God. It signifies a profound moral twisting or distortion.
The semantic range of *ʻâvôn* extends to encompass both the act of wrongdoing and its inherent consequences:
1. **The Act of Iniquity/Perversity:** This is the most common usage, referring to the moral evil, fault, or sin itself. It describes actions, attitudes, or a state of being that is inherently twisted or perverse, diverging from God's righteous standards. Unlike H2403 (חַטָּאת, *chaṭṭāʼth*), which emphasizes "missing the mark," or H6588 (פֶּשַׁע, *peshaʻ*), which denotes "transgression" or "rebellion," *ʻâvôn* highlights the *perverted nature* of the offense, its intrinsic crookedness.
2. **The Guilt or Punishment of Iniquity:** Significantly, *ʻâvôn* can also refer to the guilt incurred by the act of perversity, or even the punishment that is the just consequence of such iniquity. This dual aspect underscores the biblical understanding that sin carries an intrinsic burden and consequence, often depicted as something to be "borne" or "visited."
Thus, *ʻâvôn* encapsulates not merely an isolated act of sin, but the deep-seated perversion of character and the inevitable burden or penalty that accompanies it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *ʻâvôn* appears extensively throughout the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of sin, guilt, and divine justice.
* **The Burden of Sin:** In [[Genesis 4:13]], Cain laments, "My punishment is greater than I can bear!" Here, *ʻâvôn* refers to the overwhelming burden and consequence of his sin, highlighting its punitive aspect. This illustrates the idea that iniquity carries its own heavy weight.
* **Divine Justice and Forgiveness:** A pivotal passage is [[Exodus 34:7]], where God declares Himself as One who "forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin, yet by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation." This verse profoundly captures the tension between God's boundless mercy in forgiving *ʻâvôn* and His unwavering justice in holding accountable those who persist in it. The concept of "visiting iniquity" underscores the ripple effect and inherited consequences of deep-seated perversity.
* **Priestly Atonement:** In the Levitical system, the priests were commanded to "bear the iniquity of the holy things" ([[Exodus 28:38]]) and the "iniquity of the congregation" ([[Leviticus 10:17]]). Similarly, the scapegoat in [[Leviticus 16:21]] was to "bear on itself all their iniquities." This usage emphasizes that *ʻâvôn* is a tangible burden that requires removal or transfer through sacrificial atonement, highlighting the need for divine provision to cleanse this moral crookedness.
* **Confession and Cleansing:** The Psalms frequently employ *ʻâvôn* in contexts of deep confession and earnest plea for cleansing. David cries out in [[Psalm 51:2]] (or [[Psalm 51:4]] in some translations), "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" and in [[Psalm 32:5]], he acknowledges, "I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my iniquity." These passages reveal *ʻâvôn* as a personal, internal defilement that necessitates divine purification and forgiveness.
* **Prophetic Denunciation and Redemptive Hope:** Prophets often use *ʻâvôn* to denounce the deep moral corruption of Israel, as seen in [[Jeremiah 14:7]], "Though our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for Your name's sake." Yet, profound hope is offered in [[Isaiah 53:6]], where the suffering Servant (Messiah) is described as one upon whom "the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." This is a profound prefigurement of vicarious atonement, where the ultimate burden of humanity's perversion is transferred and borne by a righteous substitute.
* **Consequence and End of Judgment:** In [[Lamentations 4:22]], the prophet declares concerning Zion, "Your iniquity is at an end, O daughter of Zion; He will no longer send you into exile." Here, *ʻâvôn* clearly refers to the period of punishment or the consequence of sin, indicating its completion.
### Related Words & Concepts
*ʻâvôn* is often found alongside, yet distinct from, other key Hebrew terms for sin:
* **H2403 (חַטָּאת, *chaṭṭāʼth*):** "Sin," "missing the mark." While *chaṭṭāʼth* describes a failure to meet a standard or a deviation from a prescribed path (like an arrow missing its target), *ʻâvôn* emphasizes the inherent distortion or perversity of the act itself. One might commit a *chaṭṭāʼth* due to ignorance, but *ʻâvôn* often implies a more deliberate or ingrained crookedness.
* **H6588 (פֶּשַׁע, *peshaʻ*):** "Transgression," "rebellion." *Peshaʻ* denotes a breaking away, a revolt against authority, or a breach of trust. While *ʻâvôn* speaks to the internal twisting, *peshaʻ* points to the outward act of defiance and rebellion against God's covenant. The three terms often appear together (e.g., [[Exodus 34:7]], [[Psalm 32:1]]) to provide a comprehensive picture of human sinfulness: the perversion (*ʻâvôn*), the rebellion (*peshaʻ*), and the failure (*chaṭṭāʼth*).
* **Guilt (e.g., H819 אָשָׁם, *ʼāshām*):** *ʻâvôn* frequently carries the connotation of guilt, the state of culpability before God. The concept of "bearing iniquity" directly relates to bearing the guilt and its consequences.
* **Righteousness (H6666 צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*):** As the antithesis of *ʻâvôn*, righteousness represents the straightness, integrity, and conformity to God's perfect standard. Where *ʻâvôn* is a perversion, *tsedeq* is alignment with divine truth.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *ʻâvôn* carries profound theological weight, shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and redemption:
* **The Nature of Sin:** *ʻâvôn* reveals sin not merely as isolated acts, but as a fundamental perversion of God's design and a distortion of moral truth. It speaks to the deep-seated crookedness of the human heart and will, a deviation from the straight path of righteousness. This inherent "bentness" explains the pervasive and often intractable nature of human sinfulness.
* **God's Character:** The consistent biblical response to *ʻâvôn* highlights God's attributes. His justice demands that *ʻâvôn* be addressed, either through punishment or atonement. His holiness cannot tolerate perversity. Simultaneously, His mercy and grace are magnified in His willingness to forgive, cleanse, and remove *ʻâvôn*, demonstrating His profound love and patience with a rebellious humanity.
* **Humanity's Condition:** *ʻâvôn* underscores the reality of humanity's fallen state. It is a condition that affects all people, from birth ([[Psalm 51:5]]), requiring divine intervention for true restoration. It points to the inability of humanity to straighten its own twisted path.
* **The Necessity of Atonement:** The repeated motif of "bearing iniquity" in the sacrificial system points directly to the need for a substitute. The ultimate theological significance of *ʻâvôn* culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, as the Suffering Servant, "bore our iniquities" ([[Isaiah 53:6]]). Through His vicarious sacrifice, the perversity and the consequent guilt of humanity's sin were fully absorbed and atoned for, providing the basis for divine forgiveness and reconciliation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5771 (עָוֺן, *ʻâvôn*) is a rich and crucial term in the Old Testament, signifying a deep-seated perversity, moral crookedness, or iniquity. Derived from a root meaning "to twist or distort," *ʻâvôn* describes not only the act of sin but also the inherent guilt and the just punishment that accrues from such moral deviation. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its pervasive nature in human experience, its role in divine judgment, and the profound need for atonement.
Contextual analysis reveals its distinction from other sin terms, emphasizing the twisted nature of the offense. Theologically, *ʻâvôn* illuminates the profound reality of human sinfulness, the unyielding holiness and justice of God, and His boundless mercy in providing a means for its forgiveness and removal. Ultimately, the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah bearing the *ʻâvôn* of many underscores the redemptive heart of God, offering hope for cleansing from the deepest moral perversion.
TRV