The Hebrew word ʻârab, represented by H6150, means to grow dusky at sundown, to be darkened, or to be toward evening. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is tied to the concept of the end of the day, both in the literal sense of fading light and in the figurative sense of diminishing joy or hope.
In its biblical usage, H6150 marks both a literal time of day and a metaphorical state. It is used to describe the daily schedule of the Philistine who "drew near morning and evening" to present his challenge 1 Samuel 17:16. It also sets the scene for hospitality and rest, as when a father-in-law urges his guest to stay because "the day draweth toward evening" Judges 19:9. Figuratively, it is used to describe a state of profound judgment and sorrow, where "all joy is darkened" and the mirth of the land is gone Isaiah 24:11.
Several related words help illustrate the context in which H6150 is used:
- H6682 tsᵉvâchâh (a screech (of anguish); cry(-ing)): This term for anguish sets the scene for the figurative darkness described in Isaiah 24:11. In a time of national mourning, "the cry of Jerusalem is gone up" Jeremiah 14:2.
- H4885 mâsôws (delight... joy, mirth, rejoice): This word represents the mirth that is explicitly gone when joy is darkened Isaiah 24:11. It is also used when God declares he will "cause all her mirth to cease" as a judgment Hosea 2:11.
- H3885 lûwn (to stop (usually over night)... abide... lodge... tarry all night): This word for lodging is a direct response to the day growing toward evening in Judges 19:9. It signifies finding shelter, as when Ruth pledges to lodge where Naomi lodges Ruth 1:16.
The conceptual weight of H6150 is seen in its application to both natural and spiritual realities.
- Marking Daily Rhythm: In its literal sense, H6150 establishes the rhythm of daily life, marking the end of the day and the time for a change in activity, whether ceasing travel Judges 19:9 or issuing a daily challenge 1 Samuel 17:16.
- Symbol of Judgment and Loss: Metaphorically, the word signifies a profound loss of gladness. When joy is darkened, it represents a state of divine judgment where all mirth and celebration are extinguished from the land Isaiah 24:11.
- A Time of Confrontation: The evening is depicted as a specific time for presentation or approach. The Philistine makes his challenge in the morning and evening, establishing a recurring appointment for confrontation 1 Samuel 17:16.
In summary, H6150 carries meaning beyond the simple setting of the sun. It functions both as a literal marker of time, indicating when the day is toward evening Judges 19:9, and as a powerful metaphor for the loss of hope and gladness. Whether describing the daily taunts of a Philistine or a nation where joy itself is darkened Isaiah 24:11, the word connects the physical dimming of light to pivotal moments of decision, confrontation, and profound spiritual change.
TRV