### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עַלְוָה (ʻalvâh, `{{H5932}}`) is directly linked to the more common root עֶוֶל (ʻevel, `{{H5766}}`), which denotes injustice, unrighteousness, or perversity. As such, עַלְוָה carries the primary meaning of "moral perverseness" or "iniquity." It describes a state or act that is fundamentally twisted, crooked, or deviant from what is right, just, and upright according to divine standards. Unlike חַטָּאת (chattâʼth, `{{H2403}}`), which often implies missing a target, or פֶּשַׁע (peshaʼ, `{{H6588}}`), which suggests rebellion, עַלְוָה emphasizes the inherent distortion or corruption of moral character and action. It speaks to a deep-seated ethical deviation, a subversion of justice and truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עַלְוָה (`{{H5932}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 5:16]]**: "So the poor has hope, and iniquity (וְעַלְוָתָהּ) shuts her mouth."
This verse is part of Eliphaz's first discourse to Job. Eliphaz, attempting to explain Job's suffering, asserts that God punishes the wicked and delivers the righteous. In this particular statement, Eliphaz contrasts the hope of the poor with the fate of "iniquity." The phrase "iniquity shuts her mouth" (וְעַלְוָתָהּ סָכְּרָה פִּיהָ) suggests that moral perverseness is silenced, disgraced, or rendered ineffective. It implies that the inherent crookedness of the wicked ultimately leads to their downfall and inability to speak or boast. The singular occurrence of עַלְוָה here, in a context discussing divine justice and the consequences of moral deviation, underscores its strong negative connotation as an active force of perversion that God will ultimately subdue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of עַלְוָה (`{{H5932}}`) is deeply intertwined with other Hebrew terms describing sin, injustice, and moral corruption:
* **עֶוֶל (ʻevel, `{{H5766}}`):** This is the direct root from which עַלְוָה derives. עֶוֶל is much more common and broadly signifies injustice, unrighteousness, or perversity. עַלְוָה can be seen as a specific manifestation or intensified form of this core concept, emphasizing the inherent crookedness.
* **עָוֹן (ʻāvōn, `{{H5771}}`):** Often translated as "iniquity" or "guilt," עָוֹן also carries the sense of being twisted or bent. It frequently refers to the guilt incurred by sin and the punishment due for it. While עָוֹן focuses on the resulting guilt and consequence, עַלְוָה highlights the moral perversion itself.
* **רָשָׁע (rāshāʻ, `{{H7563}}`):** This adjective describes one who is "wicked" or "guilty," often in contrast to the righteous (צַדִּיק, tsaddîq, `{{H6662}}`). The רָשָׁע is characterized by עַלְוָה in their actions and character.
* **חָמָס (ḥāmās, `{{H2555}}`):** Denotes "violence" or "wrong," often involving active oppression or injury to others. While עַלְוָה describes the internal moral state, חָמָס describes its outward, often violent, expression.
עַלְוָה distinguishes itself by specifically highlighting the inherent *twistedness* or *crookedness* of a moral deviation, rather than just the act of sin or its consequence. It points to a fundamental distortion of what is right.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of עַלְוָה (`{{H5932}}`) in [[Job 5:16]] provides a profound theological insight into the nature of sin and divine justice. It portrays sin not merely as a transgression of a rule but as a deep-seated moral perversion that actively opposes God's righteous order. The imagery of "iniquity shutting her mouth" implies God's ultimate triumph over all forms of moral distortion. It affirms that the perversity of humanity, though seemingly powerful, will ultimately be silenced and brought to naught before the divine standard of justice. This concept underscores God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His intolerance for any form of moral crookedness. It reinforces the biblical truth that true hope and vindication belong to the upright, while עַלְוָה inevitably leads to shame and silence.
### Summary
עַלְוָה (ʻalvâh, `{{H5932}}`) is a rare but potent Hebrew term derived from עֶוֶל (`{{H5766}}`), signifying "moral perverseness" or "iniquity." It describes a fundamental twistedness or deviation from divine righteousness. Its sole occurrence in [[Job 5:16]] illustrates the ultimate silencing and defeat of such perversity in the face of God's justice, contrasting it with the hope of the poor. Theologically, עַלְוָה highlights the deep-seated, corrupt nature of sin and God's sovereign power to subdue and silence all forms of moral distortion, affirming His righteous character and the triumph of justice.
TRV