or עוֹרֵב; from עָרַב; a raven (from its dusky hue); raven.
Transliteration:ʻôrêb
Pronunciation:o-rabe'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻôrêb (`{{H6158}}`), often transliterated as 'orev, refers specifically to the raven. Its etymology is rooted in the verb ʻārab (`{{H6148}}`), meaning "to set, grow dark, be or grow dusky, become evening." This etymological connection directly informs the bird's name, highlighting its characteristic dusky, black plumage. The raven is a highly intelligent, omnivorous bird known for its dark appearance, scavenging habits, and distinctive call. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, ravens were often associated with wilderness, desolation, and carrion, reflecting their role in the ecosystem. As a species, they are adaptable and hardy, capable of surviving in various environments.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The raven appears in several significant biblical narratives and poetic passages, often carrying symbolic weight. Its first mention is in the account of Noah's ark, where Noah sends out a raven after forty days to ascertain if the waters had receded ([[Genesis 8:7]]). Unlike the dove, the raven "went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth," implying it found sustenance on the floating carcasses or exposed land, and did not return to the ark. This contrasts sharply with the dove's eventual return, establishing a symbolic distinction between the two birds.
Perhaps the most striking appearance of the raven is in the narrative of Elijah, where God commands ravens to bring him bread and meat morning and evening while he hides by the Wadi Cherith ([[1 Kings 17:4-6]]). This is a profound instance of divine provision, as ravens, being ritually unclean animals according to Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 11:15]], [[Deuteronomy 14:14]]), are paradoxically used by God to sustain His prophet. This highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, even employing that which is considered impure for His holy purposes.
In wisdom literature, the raven is presented as an object of God's providential care. Job 38:41 asks, "Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young cry to God for food, and wander about for lack of it?" Similarly, Psalm 147:9 states that God "gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry." These passages underscore God's meticulous attention to all His creatures, even those perceived as wild or unclean, demonstrating His universal sustenance.
Proverbs 30:17 uses the raven in a proverb of judgment: "The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures' young." Here, the raven, as a scavenger, symbolizes the grim consequences of filial disrespect, acting as an instrument of divine retribution. Finally, in the Song of Solomon 5:11, the beloved's hair is described as "black as a raven," a rare aesthetic use that appreciates the bird's dark hue for its beauty rather than its ritual status.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb ʻārab (`{{H6148}}`), from which ʻôrêb (`{{H6158}}`) derives, emphasizing the raven's characteristic dark color. This root also connects to concepts of evening or twilight, further solidifying the imagery of darkness.
The raven is consistently listed among the "unclean" birds in the Mosaic dietary laws ([[Leviticus 11:15]]; [[Deuteronomy 14:14]]), alongside other birds of prey and scavengers like the eagle (nesher, `{{H5404}}`), vulture (dayyah, `{{H1772}}`), and kite (ʼayyāh, `{{H3447}}`). This classification distinguishes it from "clean" birds, such as the dove (yonah, `{{H3123}}`), which often symbolizes purity and peace. The contrast between the raven and the dove in the Noahic narrative is particularly poignant, with the raven representing the untamed wild and the dove signifying return, peace, and new beginnings.
The concept of divine provision for animals is also linked to other creatures, such as the lion in Psalm 104:21, but the raven's inclusion highlights God's care for even the most unlikely or ritually impure creatures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻôrêb (`{{H6158}}`) is multifaceted and often paradoxical.
1. **Divine Providence and Sustenance:** The most profound theological insight comes from God's use of ravens to feed Elijah. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to use any means, even those ritually unclean or seemingly insignificant, to accomplish His will. It challenges human categories of purity and impurity, showing that God transcends such distinctions when enacting His divine plan. The passages in Job and Psalms further emphasize God's meticulous care for all creation, highlighting His compassion and provision even for the "young ravens that cry." This speaks to God's omnipresent concern for the humblest of creatures.
2. **Symbol of Uncleanliness and Judgment:** While God uses ravens for good, their consistent designation as unclean in the Law underscores a theological distinction between the sacred and profane. Their association with carrion and the wild often links them to desolation and judgment, as seen in Proverbs 30:17, where they are agents of consequence for sin. This dual nature reflects the complexity of God's relationship with His creation, where even the "unclean" can be part of His overarching plan.
3. **God's Transcendence of Human Categories:** The paradox of clean prophet fed by unclean bird is a powerful theological statement. It teaches that God is not bound by human ritualistic or legalistic frameworks. His power and grace operate beyond human comprehension and societal norms, demonstrating His ultimate freedom and authority.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻôrêb (`{{H6158}}`) refers to the raven, a bird whose name derives from its dusky hue. Biblically, the raven occupies a unique and often paradoxical position. While consistently classified as an unclean bird under Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 11:15]]), it plays a crucial role in demonstrating God's miraculous provision, notably by feeding the prophet Elijah ([[1 Kings 17:4-6]]). Furthermore, poetic passages in Job ([[Job 38:41]]) and Psalms ([[Psalm 147:9]]) highlight God's universal care and sustenance for all His creation, including the young ravens. Despite its association with wildness, desolation, and judgment (as in [[Proverbs 30:17]]), the raven ultimately serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power, His ability to use any means for His purposes, and His meticulous attention to every aspect of His created order, transcending human categories of clean and unclean.
TRV