a primitive root (rather identical with עָרַב through the idea of close association); to be agreeable; be pleasant(-ing), take pleasure in, be sweet.
Transliteration:ʻârêb
Pronunciation:aw-rabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6149, עָרֵב (ʻârêb), is a primitive root primarily signifying "to be agreeable," "pleasant," or "sweet." It describes that which is pleasing to the senses (taste, sound, sight) or to the inner being (soul, mind). The base definition suggests a close association with H6148 (עָרַב), which carries meanings like "to mingle," "to mix," or "to be surety." This connection implies that the pleasantness described by ʻârêb might stem from a harmonious blending, a fitting together, or a reliable, trustworthy quality. The semantic range thus encompasses:
1. **Sensory Pleasantness**: Describing something that is literally sweet to the taste or melodious to the ear.
2. **Emotional/Internal Delight**: Indicating an inner satisfaction, joy, or contentment derived from wisdom, knowledge, or rest.
3. **Acceptability/Favor**: Pertaining to something that is pleasing or acceptable, particularly in the context of divine reception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H6149 appears in a limited but significant number of contexts, illuminating its various facets:
* **Proverbs 2:10**: "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Here, ʻârêb describes the profound internal satisfaction that wisdom and knowledge bring. It is not merely intellectual assent but an intrinsic delight that permeates the very essence of one's being, suggesting that divine truth is inherently satisfying.
* **Jeremiah 31:26**: "Upon this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me." In this context, ʻârêb refers to the restorative and comforting nature of sleep. Following a prophetic vision of Israel's restoration, the prophet finds his sleep profoundly sweet and refreshing, signifying God's provision of peace and rest amidst future hope.
* **Song of Solomon 2:14**: "Let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Here, ʻârêb is used to describe the beloved's voice as melodious and delightful to the ear. This highlights the aesthetic dimension of pleasantness, emphasizing the beauty and charm perceived through the senses in human relationship.
* **Psalm 104:34**: "May my meditation be pleasing to Him; I will rejoice in the Lord." This is a crucial theological application. The psalmist desires that his contemplation of God and His works be ʻârêb – "sweet" or "pleasing" – to the Lord. This suggests a reciprocal relationship where human devotion can genuinely delight the divine heart, inviting God's favorable reception and the worshiper's subsequent rejoicing.
These occurrences collectively demonstrate ʻârêb's application to various domains: intellectual/spiritual, physical/emotional, aesthetic, and devotional.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is H6148 (עָרַב, ʻārab), from which H6149 is derived or with which it shares a common root idea. H6148 means "to mingle," "to mix," "to be surety," or "to pledge." The idea of "close association" or "mingling" suggested in the base definition for H6149 implies that pleasantness often arises from things being in harmony, well-integrated, or fitting together perfectly. For instance, a "sweet" sound is a harmonious one; "sweet" sleep is a state of perfect rest. Being "surety" could imply a reliable, trustworthy, and thus agreeable relationship.
Other related concepts include:
* H2896 (טוֹב, ṭôv): "good," often encompassing pleasantness and desirability.
* H2656 (חֵפֶץ, ḥēp̄eṣ) and H2654 (חָפֵץ, ḥāp̄ēṣ): Noun and verb forms for "delight" or "desire," expressing strong pleasure.
* H4966 (מָתוֹק, māthôq): An adjective meaning "sweet," often used literally for taste, but ʻârêb extends beyond mere taste to a broader sense of agreeableness.
* H6151 (עָרֵב, ʻārēb): An adjective meaning "sweet-smelling," directly derived from the root H6149.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6149 is profound, particularly in its application to God.
1. **Divine Receptivity and Delight**: Psalm 104:34 is pivotal, revealing that human meditation and worship can be "sweet" or "pleasing" to God. This underscores God's capacity for delight in His creation, especially in the genuine spiritual engagement of His people. It portrays a God who is not aloof but actively receptive to human devotion, finding satisfaction in the sincere heart. This concept invites believers to offer their lives as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
2. **The Intrinsic Pleasantness of God's Truth**: Proverbs 2:10 teaches that divine wisdom and knowledge are not burdensome obligations but sources of deep, internal pleasure. This suggests that aligning oneself with God's truth brings profound satisfaction to the soul, indicating that God's ways are inherently good and delightful.
3. **God as the Source of True Rest and Comfort**: Jeremiah 31:26 illustrates God's provision of restorative rest, making even sleep "sweet." This points to God as the ultimate source of physical and emotional well-being, capable of providing profound peace even amidst challenging circumstances or prophetic burdens.
4. **God's Aesthetic Nature**: While Song of Solomon describes human love, its use of ʻârêb for a voice reflects the beauty and delight inherent in God's creation—the senses, relationships, and the aesthetic dimensions of life. It subtly points to a Creator who values and instills pleasantness in His world.
In essence, ʻârêb reveals a God who is not only the giver of all good and pleasant things but also one who experiences delight and finds things pleasing, particularly the sincere devotion of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6149 (עָרֵב, ʻârêb) denotes the quality of being "agreeable," "pleasant," or "sweet." Its semantic range extends from sensory delight (a sweet voice, pleasant sleep) to intellectual and spiritual satisfaction (wisdom pleasant to the soul). Crucially, it describes the profound truth that human meditation and worship can be "pleasing" or "sweet" to the Lord (Psalm 104:34), revealing God's capacity for delight in His people. The connection to H6148 (עָרַב, "to mingle, be surety") subtly suggests that this pleasantness often arises from harmony, proper integration, or a trustworthy relationship. Theologically, ʻârêb underscores God's nature as the source of all good and delightful things, and His reciprocal joy in the genuine devotion of His creation, inviting believers into a relationship of mutual pleasure and profound satisfaction in Him.
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