or עֶרֶב; (1 Kings 10:15), (with the article [prefix), from עָרַב; the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race); Arabia, mingled people, mixed (multitude), woof.
Transliteration:ʻêreb
Pronunciation:ay'-reb
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6154 (ʻêreb), often appearing as עֶרֶב or עֵרֶב, derives from the root H6148 (ʻârab), meaning "to mix, mingle, become surety, grow dark (evening)." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its diverse semantic range. Fundamentally, H6154 denotes a concept of "mixture" or "interweaving."
Its primary semantic clusters include:
1. **Mixture/Blending:** This is the most direct meaning, referring to a composite or heterogeneous group, particularly a "mixed multitude" of people. It can also imply a general "mixture" of things.
2. **Weaving Terminology:** Specifically, it refers to the "woof" or "weft" – the transverse threads interwoven with the warp to form fabric. This highlights the concept of threads "mingling" or "mixing" to create a whole.
3. **Geographical/Ethnic Designation:** In certain contexts, ʻêreb refers to "Arabia" or "Arabs," likely alluding to the nomadic, perhaps ethnically mixed, nature of these peoples, or simply as a distinct geographical and ethnic entity.
Thus, H6154 encapsulates ideas of intermingling, composition from diverse elements, and specific cultural or material constructs arising from such mixture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6154 in the Hebrew Bible illuminate its various facets:
* **"Mixed Multitude" (עֵרֶב רַב):** This is a prominent usage, appearing in contexts related to the Exodus.
* In [[Exodus 12:38]], a "mixed multitude" (עֵרֶב רַב) is explicitly stated to have gone up with the Israelites from Egypt. This group consisted of non-Israelites who joined the exodus, perhaps drawn by the plagues or the promise of freedom. Their presence highlights the initial inclusiveness, yet also the potential for spiritual compromise.
* This potential is realized in [[Numbers 11:4]], where the "mixed multitude" (הָאסַפְסֻף) among the Israelites is described as having "craved greatly," leading the Israelites into murmuring and lusting after the food of Egypt. Here, the "mixture" is depicted negatively, as a source of spiritual contamination and discontent.
* **"Woof" (עֵרֶב):** In the priestly laws of Leviticus concerning garments afflicted with leprosy.
* [[Leviticus 13:48]], [[Leviticus 13:49]], [[Leviticus 13:51]], [[Leviticus 13:52]], [[Leviticus 13:53]], [[Leviticus 13:55]], [[Leviticus 13:56]], [[Leviticus 13:57]], [[Leviticus 13:58]], [[Leviticus 13:59]] all use H6154 to refer to the "woof" (or "weft") of a garment. This technical term distinguishes it from the "warp" (שְׁתִי, H8352). The meticulous instructions regarding the examination and handling of defiled fabric underscore the importance of purity in all aspects of life, even the threads of one's clothing.
* **"Arabia" or "Arabs" (עֵרֶב):** This usage denotes a specific people group or region.
* [[1 Kings 10:15]] and [[2 Chronicles 9:14]] mention tribute brought by "all the kings of Arabia" (כָּל־מַלְכֵי הָעֶרֶב) to Solomon. This refers to the nomadic chieftains or kings of the Arabian peninsula.
* [[Jeremiah 25:24]] lists "all the kings of Arabia" among the nations destined for God's judgment.
* [[Ezekiel 27:21]] refers to "Arabia" (עֲרַב) and all the princes of Kedar as trading partners with Tyre, highlighting their commercial activities.
These various contexts demonstrate the versatility of H6154, ranging from the mundane (fabric) to the national (peoples) and the theological (purity and influence).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6154 is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root H6148 (ʻârab):** The verb "to mix, mingle, become surety." This is the foundational connection, explaining the core meaning of H6154 as a "mixture" or "interweaving." It also has a secondary meaning related to "growing dark," leading to H6153 (ʻéreb), "evening" (the "mingling" of light and darkness).
* **H6150 (ʻărābî):** An adjective meaning "Arabian," directly related to the people group.
* **H6160 (ʻărābâh):** Refers to a "desert plain" or "wilderness," particularly the Arabah rift valley. While its etymology is debated, some scholars link it to the idea of a "mixed" or desolate landscape, or a region inhabited by Arab peoples.
* **H6209 (ʻāsafṣuf):** This is the term used in [[Numbers 11:4]] as a synonym for H6154 (ʻêreb) when referring to the "mixed multitude," emphasizing their collected, heterogeneous nature.
* **Concepts of Purity and Separation:** The usage of H6154 in contexts of "mixed multitude" and "woof" in defiled garments highlights the biblical emphasis on Israel's distinct identity and the need for purity, contrasting with the dangers of assimilation or contamination.
* **National Identity and Foreign Influence:** The presence of the "mixed multitude" and the references to "Arabia" underscore the dynamics between Israel and surrounding nations, including the challenges of maintaining covenant fidelity amidst diverse influences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6154 primarily revolves around the concepts of purity, separation, and divine sovereignty.
1. **The Danger of Unholy Mixture:** The "mixed multitude" serves as a potent theological symbol. While God's grace extended to non-Israelites who wished to join His people (e.g., Rahab, Ruth), the ʻêreb rab of the Exodus represents those who joined without full commitment, bringing their worldly desires and grumbling spirit into the holy community. Their presence directly contributed to the spiritual decline and rebellion at Taberah and Kibroth-hattaavah, illustrating the spiritual peril of allowing unholy or uncommitted elements to corrupt the purity of God's people. This underscores God's call for His people to be "set apart" (קָדוֹשׁ, H6918).
2. **Holiness and Meticulous Purity:** The use of ʻêreb for the "woof" in the laws of leprosy in garments ([[Leviticus 13]]) emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's holiness. Purity was not merely a spiritual concept but extended to the material world. Even the interwoven threads of a garment could be a locus of defilement, requiring careful examination and, if necessary, destruction. This reinforces the pervasive demand for holiness in every aspect of life for God's covenant people.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations:** The references to "Arabia" demonstrate that God's plan and judgment extend beyond Israel to all nations. While the "mixed multitude" highlights the internal challenges of Israel, the "kings of Arabia" acknowledge God's universal dominion over diverse peoples and their destinies, whether in tribute to Solomon or in the scope of prophetic judgment.
### Summary
H6154 (ʻêreb) is a multifaceted Hebrew term whose core meaning revolves around "mixture" or "interweaving," stemming from the root H6148 ("to mix"). Its semantic range extends to three primary areas: a "mixed multitude" of people, the "woof" or transverse threads in weaving, and the geographical/ethnic designation "Arabia" or "Arabs."
Biblical occurrences reveal its theological depth: the "mixed multitude" highlights the dangers of spiritual compromise and the challenge of maintaining purity within the covenant community. The "woof" in Levitical law underscores the pervasive nature of God's demand for holiness, even in inanimate objects. References to "Arabia" affirm God's universal sovereignty over all nations. Collectively, H6154 offers insights into the biblical themes of separation, purity, the perils of unholy influences, and the expansive reach of divine authority.
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