from עָרָה; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish); nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness).
Transliteration:ʻervâh
Pronunciation:er-vaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6172}}` (עֶרְוָה, ʻervâh) is derived from the root `{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, ʻārâh), which means "to be bare," "to be exposed," or "to uncover." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its core meaning. Fundamentally, `{{H6172}}` denotes "nakedness," specifically referring to the genitalia or private parts, as seen in contexts related to modesty and physical exposure.
Beyond its literal sense, `{{H6172}}` possesses a significant figurative semantic range. It extends to encompass:
* "Disgrace" or "shame," signifying a state of profound humiliation or ignominy.
* "Blemish," "fault," or "uncleanliness," particularly in legal or moral contexts where it refers to an inherent flaw or impurity that renders something unacceptable or defiling.
Thus, `{{H6172}}` moves beyond mere physical description to convey moral, ritual, and spiritual states of exposure, vulnerability, and dishonor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H6172}}` across the Hebrew Bible reveals its multifaceted meaning:
* **Literal Nakedness (Pudenda):**
* In [[Exodus 20:26]], priests are commanded not to ascend the altar by steps, "that your nakedness may not be exposed on it." This emphasizes the sanctity of the worship space and the requirement for modesty in God's presence.
* The most prominent literal use is found in [[Leviticus 18]] and [[Leviticus 20]], where "uncovering the nakedness" (גִּלָּה עֶרְוָה, gillâh ʻervâh) is a recurring euphemism for illicit sexual intercourse, particularly incestuous relationships. Examples include [[Leviticus 18:6]] ("None of you shall approach anyone of his close relatives to uncover nakedness"), [[Leviticus 18:7]], [[Leviticus 18:8]], and so forth. This phrase underscores the intimate, private, and potentially forbidden nature of such acts.
* [[Deuteronomy 23:14]] (or [[Deuteronomy 23:15]] in some translations) states, "for the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp... therefore your camp must be holy, so that He may not see anything indecent [עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, ʻervat dāvār, literally 'nakedness of a thing'] among you and turn away from you." Here, it signifies anything ritually or morally impure that would defile the camp.
* **Figurative Shame and Disgrace:**
* In prophetic literature, `{{H6172}}` frequently denotes national humiliation and disgrace. [[Isaiah 47:3]] declares concerning Babylon, "Your nakedness shall be uncovered, your shame shall be seen." This vividly portrays utter defeat and public exposure of weakness.
* [[Lamentations 1:8]] laments Jerusalem's plight: "Jerusalem has sinned grievously; therefore she has become an object of horror; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness." Here, "nakedness" refers to her sin and the resulting public scorn.
* [[Ezekiel 16:36]] and [[Ezekiel 23:29]] use "nakedness" to symbolize the spiritual prostitution and idolatry of Jerusalem and Samaria, where their unfaithfulness to God is revealed as a shameful exposure to their pagan "lovers."
* **Legal/Moral Uncleanliness or Blemish:**
* The phrase "some indecency" or "nakedness of a thing" (עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, ʻervat dāvār) in [[Deuteronomy 24:1]] is a pivotal and debated phrase concerning grounds for divorce. While its precise meaning is debated, it likely refers to a serious moral impropriety, a scandalous act, or a significant blemish that renders the wife unacceptable or "unclean" in the husband's eyes, rather than simple physical nakedness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H6172}}` is enriched by its connections to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H6168}}` (עָרָה, ʻārâh):** The root verb, meaning "to be bare" or "to uncover," is fundamental. It highlights the act of exposure that underlies the noun `{{H6172}}`.
* **`{{H5903}}` (עֵירֹם, ʻêrôm):** This noun specifically means "nakedness" or "a naked person" (e.g., [[Genesis 3:7]]). While both refer to a lack of clothing, `{{H6172}}` often carries a stronger connotation of the private parts or the shame associated with exposure, whereas `{{H5903}}` can simply denote the state of being unclothed.
* **`{{H954}}` (בּוּשׁ, bûsh):** "To be ashamed" or "to be disgraced." This verb frequently co-occurs with or is implied by the concept of `{{H6172}}`, particularly when it signifies shame or humiliation.
* **`{{H2617}}` (חֶרְפָּה, ḥerpâh):** "Reproach," "disgrace," or "shame." This term is often found in parallel or synonymous constructions with `{{H6172}}` in contexts describing public humiliation and scorn.
* **Purity and Impurity:** The concept of `{{H6172}}` is deeply embedded within the Mosaic Law's extensive regulations concerning ritual and moral purity. "Uncovering nakedness" is a severe transgression that defiles both individuals and the land, necessitating specific purification rites or divine judgment.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Apostasy:** In prophetic discourse, the "nakedness" of Israel frequently symbolizes her spiritual unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh, particularly through idolatry and illicit alliances. This "nakedness" is then revealed as a consequence of her apostasy.
### Theological Significance
The term `{{H6172}}` carries profound theological implications, extending beyond its literal meaning:
* **Holiness and Modesty in God's Presence:** The prohibitions against exposing nakedness in sacred contexts ([[Exodus 20:26]], [[Deuteronomy 23:14]]) underscore God's absolute holiness and the reverence required of those who approach Him. Modesty is not merely a social convention but a reflection of respect for divine purity and a safeguard against defilement.
* **The Sacredness of Sexuality and Marriage:** The pervasive use of "uncovering nakedness" in [[Leviticus 18]] and [[Leviticus 20]] establishes God's design for human sexuality as sacred and to be exercised strictly within the bounds of marriage. Any sexual act outside these divinely ordained limits, especially incest, is considered an abhorrent "nakedness" that defiles the individual, the family, and the land, incurring severe divine judgment. This highlights God's concern for the integrity of family and community.
* **Sin as Exposure and Shame:** Theologically, `{{H6172}}` powerfully portrays sin as a state of spiritual nakedness. Just as Adam and Eve's eyes were opened to their nakedness after the Fall ([[Genesis 3:7]], [[Genesis 3:10-11]]), sin exposes humanity's true, fallen condition—its vulnerability, shame, and alienation from God. Prophetic texts vividly depict nations and individuals whose "nakedness" (their sin and unfaithfulness) is uncovered, leading to public disgrace and divine judgment ([[Isaiah 47:3]], [[Lamentations 1:8]], [[Ezekiel 16:36]]).
* **Divine Judgment and the Need for Covering:** The exposure of "nakedness" often serves as a metaphor for divine judgment, where God allows the full consequences of sin to be revealed. Implicit in this is the theological need for a "covering" for sin, foreshadowing the divine provision for atonement and righteousness that ultimately covers human shame and restores relationship with God.
### Summary
`{{H6172}}` (עֶרְוָה, ʻervâh) is a potent Hebrew term rooted in the concept of "uncovering" or "being bare." Its primary literal meaning denotes physical nakedness, particularly the private parts, as seen in laws concerning modesty and the sanctity of worship. However, its semantic range significantly extends to encompass figurative meanings of profound shame, disgrace, and moral or ritual impurity. In the Pentateuch, it is central to the strict prohibitions against illicit sexual relations, where "uncovering nakedness" serves as a euphemism for forbidden acts that defile. In prophetic literature, `{{H6172}}` frequently symbolizes the spiritual nakedness of Israel, representing her unfaithfulness, idolatry, and the resulting humiliation under divine judgment. Theologically, `{{H6172}}` underscores God's demand for holiness, the sacredness of human sexuality within its divinely appointed bounds, and the profound shame and vulnerability that sin brings, ultimately highlighting humanity's need for divine covering and restoration.
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