from עָרַב (in the sense of exchange); a pawn (given as security); pledge.
Transliteration:ʻărâbôwn
Pronunciation:ar-aw-bone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲרָבוֹן (ʻărâbôwn), Strong's number `{{H6162}}`, derives from the root עָרַב (ʻārab), which carries the primary sense of "to pledge," "to give security," or "to become surety for." Consequently, ʻărâbôwn denotes a "pledge," "earnest," "guarantee," or "deposit." It refers to a portion of an agreed-upon payment or an item of value given in advance as a binding assurance that the full payment or the promised action will be completed in the future. This initial deposit serves as a legal and tangible testament to the seriousness and certainty of a forthcoming transaction or fulfillment. It is more than a mere down payment; it is a binding commitment, signifying an irrevocable intention to complete the larger agreement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻărâbôwn appears exclusively in a single narrative within the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Genesis 38:17]], [[Genesis 38:18]], and [[Genesis 38:20]]. These occurrences are central to the account of Judah and Tamar.
In this narrative, Judah promises Tamar a young goat from his flock in exchange for her services. As a guarantee of his promise, Tamar demands a "pledge" (ʻărâbôwn). Judah then gives her his signet, his cord, and his staff as this security ([[Genesis 38:18]]). The passage emphasizes the legal and binding nature of this transaction, as Judah later sends his friend to retrieve the pledge and deliver the goat ([[Genesis 38:20]]). The inability to find Tamar or the pledge leads to Judah's public embarrassment and the eventual revelation of Tamar's pregnancy. This specific context highlights ʻărâbôwn as a tangible, personal item of value that serves as a legally binding assurance of a future obligation, demonstrating the seriousness with which such pledges were regarded in ancient Near Eastern legal and social customs.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of ʻărâbôwn is its verbal root עָרַב (ʻārab) `{{H6148}}`, meaning "to pledge," "to be surety," or "to guarantee." This root underscores the concept of a binding commitment.
The profound theological significance of ʻărâbôwn is most clearly understood through its direct Greek equivalent in the New Testament, ἀρραβών (arrabōn) `{{G728}}`. This Greek word is a direct loanword from Semitic languages (Hebrew/Aramaic) and carries the identical meaning of "earnest," "pledge," or "first installment." While ʻărâbôwn itself is rare in the Old Testament, the concept of a binding guarantee, a surety, or a covenant is pervasive. Related concepts include:
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berît `{{H1285}}`):** A solemn agreement or promise, often with binding terms and conditions.
* **Promise (הַבְטָחָה, havtahah):** An assurance of future action or provision.
* **Security/Surety:** The general idea of something given or held to ensure the fulfillment of an obligation.
### Theological Significance
While ʻărâbôwn itself appears only in a secular context in the Old Testament, its theological weight is immense when viewed through its New Testament counterpart, ἀρραβών (arrabōn) `{{G728}}`. The New Testament authors, particularly Paul, employ arrabōn to describe the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers.
In [[2 Corinthians 1:22]], Paul states that God "has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (arrabōn)." Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 5:5]], he writes, "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee (arrabōn)." Most explicitly, in [[Ephesians 1:14]], the Holy Spirit is described as "the guarantee (arrabōn) of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
This theological application elevates the mundane concept of a commercial pledge to a profound spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit is not merely a down payment but God's irrevocable, divine guarantee that believers will receive their full inheritance—eternal life, resurrection, and glorification—in Christ. Just as a commercial ʻărâbôwn ensures the completion of a transaction, the Holy Spirit's indwelling assures the believer of the certainty of God's future promises. This divine arrabōn signifies God's faithfulness, the unbreakable nature of His covenant with humanity through Christ, and the absolute certainty of future redemption and glorification for those who are in Him. It is a foretaste of glory, a living assurance of the consummation of salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew term עֲרָבוֹן (ʻărâbôwn) `{{H6162}}` signifies a "pledge," "earnest," or "guarantee"—a binding deposit given to assure the fulfillment of a future obligation. Its singular appearance in the Old Testament, specifically in the account of Judah and Tamar in [[Genesis 38]], illustrates its function as a tangible, legally binding security for a promised exchange. While its Old Testament usage is limited to a secular context, its profound theological significance emerges through its direct Greek equivalent, ἀρραβών (arrabōn) `{{G728}}`, in the New Testament. There, the Holy Spirit is revealed as God's divine arrabōn, the infallible pledge and first installment of the believer's future inheritance in Christ. This spiritual guarantee underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His redemptive plan, assuring believers of their ultimate glorification and eternal life.
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