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.
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.
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.
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.
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