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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻêreb**, represented by `{{H6154}}`, carries a dual meaning related to mixture and composition. It can refer to the **woof**, or the transverse threads of cloth, but also describes a **mixture**, **mingled people**, or a **mixed multitude**. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its significance in both literal and figurative contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6154}}` is used in two primary contexts. The first is in the laws concerning leprosy `{{H6883}}`. The condition of the **woof** `{{H6154}}` in a linen `{{H6593}}` or woollen `{{H6785}}` garment `{{H899}}` was examined by the priest `{{H3548}}` to determine if it was clean or unclean ([[Leviticus 13:48]], [[Leviticus 13:59]]). The second context refers to people. A **mixed** `{{H6154}}` multitude `{{H7227}}` is described as leaving Egypt alongside the Israelites [[Exodus 12:38]]. Later, after hearing the law `{{H8451}}`, the people of Israel `{{H3478}}` separated themselves from all the **mixed multitude** `{{H6154}}` [[Nehemiah 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H6154}}`:
* `{{H8359}}` **shᵉthîy** (warp): This is the direct counterpart to **woof**, referring to the longitudinal threads in weaving. It is consistently used alongside `{{H6154}}` in the Levitical laws to describe the complete fabric of a garment being examined for leprosy [[Leviticus 13:51]].
* `{{H6883}}` **tsâraʻath** (leprosy): The primary reason for examining the **woof** `{{H6154}}` is to identify a plague `{{H5061}}` of **leprosy** in a garment. If the plague spreads in the warp or woof, the garment is declared unclean [[Leviticus 13:51]].
* `{{H914}}` **bâdal** (to separate): This word is used to describe the action taken toward the "mixed multitude" in Nehemiah. It means to **divide** or **separate**, emphasizing the distinction between Israel and other peoples based on the law [[Nehemiah 13:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6154}}` is centered on the principles of purity and separation.
* **Ritual Purity:** The detailed laws for inspecting the **woof** `{{H6154}}` of a garment for a plague `{{H5061}}` demonstrate the importance of distinguishing the clean `{{H2891}}` from the unclean `{{H2930}}`. A garment with a "fretting leprosy" in its threads had to be burned `{{H8313}}` with fire `{{H784}}` [[Leviticus 13:52]].
* **Covenantal Identity:** The concept of a **mixed multitude** `{{H6154}}` highlights the theme of maintaining a distinct covenant people. The act of separating `{{H914}}` this group from Israel `{{H3478}}` reinforces the need for communal holiness as defined by God's law `{{H8451}}` [[Nehemiah 13:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6154}}` is a word that illustrates the biblical emphasis on order, purity, and distinction. Whether referring to the literal threads of a **woof** being inspected for corruption or a **mixed multitude** being separated from the covenant community, **ʻêreb** consistently appears in contexts where clear lines are drawn between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean.
TRV