### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻavʻeh**, represented by `{{H5773}}`, signifies **perversity**. It is derived from a root meaning to be perverse. This term appears only **1 time** in the Bible, in a single verse, where it describes a state of profound spiritual and moral distortion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H5773}}` is found in [[Isaiah 19:14]], which describes God’s judgment upon Egypt. The verse states that "The LORD hath mingled a **perverse** spirit in the midst thereof." This act causes Egypt to "err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit." The word points to a divinely induced confusion that leads a nation into complete disarray and error in all its actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of `{{H5773}}`:
* `{{H4537}}` **mâçak** (to mix, especially wine (with spices); mingle): This word describes the action the LORD takes, intentionally introducing the perverse spirit into Egypt. It is also used in contexts of mingling wine or strong drink [[Isaiah 5:22]].
* `{{H8582}}` **tâʻâh** (to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray; stagger): This is the direct result of the perverse spirit. The term is used to describe how Egypt is caused to "err" and how a drunken man "staggereth," showing a state of total confusion and inability to find the right path [[Isaiah 19:14]]. It is also used to describe people going astray like lost sheep [[Isaiah 53:6]].
* `{{H7910}}` **shikkôwr** (intoxicated, as astate or a habit; drunken): This term provides the powerful simile for the state of those affected by the perverse spirit. It vividly portrays a complete loss of control, judgment, and stability [[Isaiah 19:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5773}}` is concentrated in its single, impactful appearance.
* **Divine Judgment:** The perversity is not a random occurrence but a "perverse spirit" that the LORD `{{H3068}}` has actively "mingled" `{{H4537}}` into the nation of Egypt `{{H4714}}` as a form of judgment [[Isaiah 19:14]].
* **Internal Corruption:** The spirit is placed "in the midst" `{{H7130}}` of the nation, signifying a corruption that works from within to destabilize and confuse, affecting "every work" `{{H4639}}` they undertake.
* **Spiritual Intoxication:** The effect of perversity is likened to a "drunken" `{{H7910}}` man who "staggereth" `{{H8582}}` in his own "vomit" `{{H6892}}`. This illustrates a condition of complete moral and intellectual helplessness and self-defilement brought on by the judgment [[Isaiah 19:14]].
### Summary
In summary, while extremely rare, `{{H5773}}` offers a potent depiction of perversity as a tool of divine judgment. Its singular use in [[Isaiah 19:14]] paints a vivid picture of a nation thrown into utter confusion, unable to function correctly because a spirit of distortion has been mingled into its very core by God. It illustrates how spiritual perversity leads to a complete inability to discern or act rightly, akin to the helplessness of a drunken man.
TRV