or עָרֹם; from עָרַם (in its original sense); nude, either partially or totally; naked.
Transliteration:ʻârôwm
Pronunciation:aw-rome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עָרוֹם (ʻârôwm, H6174), or its variant עָרֹם, primarily denotes a state of being "naked" or "nude." Derived from the verbal root עָרַם (`{{H6191}}`), the base definition specifies "in its original sense," indicating a literal meaning of being stripped or exposed.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Physical Nakedness:** The most direct meaning, referring to the absence of clothing, whether complete or partial. This can describe a natural state (e.g., at birth) or a condition imposed by circumstances (e.g., poverty, captivity).
* **Vulnerability and Exposure:** Beyond mere physical undress, עָרוֹם often implies a state of defencelessness, lacking protection, or being laid bare.
* **Shame and Humiliation:** Frequently associated with the disgrace that accompanies public exposure, particularly in contexts of judgment, punishment, or moral failing.
* **Destitution and Poverty:** The absence of clothing can symbolize extreme lack of provisions and utter impoverishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עָרוֹם (H6174) appears multiple times in the Old Testament, revealing its diverse contextual nuances:
* **Innocence Before the Fall:** The foundational use is found in [[Genesis 2:25]]: "And the man and his wife were both עָרוֹם (naked) and were not ashamed." Here, nakedness signifies a state of unselfconscious innocence, transparency, and purity in their relationship with God and each other, prior to the introduction of sin.
* **Shame After the Fall:** Immediately following their disobedience, their eyes are opened, and they "knew that they were עֵרֹם (naked)" ([[Genesis 3:7]], [[Genesis 3:10]], [[Genesis 3:11]]). This marks a profound shift where nakedness becomes intrinsically linked with shame, guilt, and the impulse to hide, signifying the brokenness of their relationship with God and the loss of pristine innocence.
* **Destitution and Judgment:** In the curses for disobedience, [[Deuteronomy 28:48]] warns of serving enemies "in hunger, in thirst, in עֵרֹם (nakedness), and in lack of everything." Here, nakedness symbolizes utter destitution and vulnerability as a consequence of divine judgment.
* **Social Perception and Humility:** Michal criticizes David for "uncovering himself today in the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself" ([[2 Samuel 6:20]]). While David's act was one of humble worship before the Lord, Michal perceived it as undignified exposure, highlighting the social implications of nakedness and perceived shame.
* **Prophetic Sign of Humiliation:** The prophet Isaiah is commanded to walk "naked and barefoot" for three years as a sign against Egypt and Cush ([[Isaiah 20:2]], [[Isaiah 20:3]], [[Isaiah 20:4]]). This prophetic act dramatically illustrates the impending humiliation, captivity, and utter defeat that these nations would face. Similarly, Micah laments, walking "stripped and עָרוֹם (naked)" as a sign of mourning and judgment ([[Micah 1:8]]).
* **Spiritual Unfaithfulness and Disgrace:** Ezekiel frequently employs עָרוֹם metaphorically to describe Jerusalem's spiritual nakedness and shame due to her idolatry and unfaithfulness. God found Jerusalem "naked and bare" in her origins ([[Ezekiel 16:7]], [[Ezekiel 16:22]]), covered her, but she later exposed herself through egregious sin ([[Ezekiel 23:29]]). This usage underscores spiritual vulnerability and the disgraceful consequences of rebellion against God. Hosea also uses it in a similar vein, threatening to strip Israel "naked" as a consequence of her unfaithfulness ([[Hosea 2:3]]).
* **Utter Defeat:** In [[Amos 2:16]], even the strongest warriors are depicted as fleeing "naked" in the day of judgment, emphasizing their complete defeat and the stripping away of all strength and dignity.
* **Literal Exposure for Action:** In [[Habakkuk 3:9]], "Your bow was made עָרֹם (bare/naked)." Here, עָרוֹם describes the bow being "bared" or "uncovered," stripped of its quiver or cover, and made ready for immediate use. This reflects a more literal, functional sense of being exposed or made ready, aligning with the "original sense" of the root עָרַם (`{{H6191}}`) meaning to be stripped or laid bare.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **עָרַם (`{{H6191}}`):** The verbal root from which עָרוֹם (H6174) is derived. While עָרוֹם means "naked," the primary meaning of the verb עָרַם is "to be shrewd, cunning, or crafty" (e.g., [[Proverbs 15:5]]). The etymological note for H6174 highlights "in its original sense," suggesting that the meaning of "naked" comes from an earlier, more literal sense of the root meaning "to be stripped bare" or "exposed," which then evolved into the figurative sense of being "shrewd" (i.e., stripped of naivety, seeing things clearly).
* **עֶרְוָה (`{{H6172}}`):** Also translated "nakedness," but it typically refers more specifically to the "private parts" or "shameful nakedness." It carries a stronger connotation of disgrace, impropriety, and sexual exposure, particularly in legal and moral contexts (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:6]]). While related in concept, עָרוֹם (H6174) can be a more general term for being unclothed.
* **Clothing/Covering:** As the antithesis of עָרוֹם, clothing (e.g., בֶּגֶד, `{{H899}}`) and covering (e.g., כָּסָה, `{{H3680}}`) often symbolize protection, honor, righteousness, or identity. The act of God providing coverings for Adam and Eve ([[Genesis 3:21]]) is a pivotal moment, signifying His grace and provision in contrast to their self-made, inadequate coverings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָרוֹם is profound and multifaceted:
* **Primal Innocence and Purity:** In its initial appearance in [[Genesis 2:25]], עָרוֹם signifies a state of unblemished purity, unselfconscious transparency, and perfect harmony in relationship with God and fellow humanity. It represents a state where shame was utterly absent.
* **The Consequence of Sin and the Birth of Shame:** The immediate aftermath of the Fall in [[Genesis 3:7]] fundamentally alters the meaning of עָרוֹם. It becomes synonymous with shame, guilt, and the desire for concealment. This shift underscores the profound impact of sin on human consciousness, relationships, and the very fabric of creation, introducing a sense of vulnerability and self-awareness that was previously unknown.
* **Divine Judgment and Humiliation:** Throughout the prophetic books, עָרוֹם frequently serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, destitution, and public humiliation. Being stripped naked represents the removal of divine protection, honor, and blessings due to sin and rebellion ([[Deuteronomy 28:48]], [[Isaiah 20:3]], [[Hosea 2:3]]). It vividly portrays the severe consequences of unfaithfulness and the utter defeat of those who oppose God.
* **Spiritual Exposure Before God:** Beyond the physical, עָרוֹם can signify a state of spiritual nakedness—where all one's sins, failures, and true condition are laid bare before the holy gaze of God ([[Ezekiel 16:7]]). This exposure can lead to either a call for repentance or further divine judgment.
* **God's Gracious Provision of Covering:** Crucially, the narrative in Genesis does not end with humanity's shame. God Himself provides animal skins to cover Adam and Eve ([[Genesis 3:21]]), a profound act of grace and mercy. This divine covering for their shame foreshadows the ultimate covering provided through atonement, highlighting God's redemptive plan to address humanity's spiritual nakedness and sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָרוֹם (H6174) fundamentally describes a state of "nakedness" or being "nude" in the Old Testament. Its rich semantic range extends from an initial portrayal of innocent, unashamed transparency before the Fall ([[Genesis 2:25]]) to a post-lapsarian condition burdened with shame, guilt, and the compelling need for concealment ([[Genesis 3:7]]). In prophetic and legal contexts, עָרוֹם frequently symbolizes extreme poverty, vulnerability, and public humiliation, serving as a stark consequence of divine judgment against sin and rebellion ([[Deuteronomy 28:48]], [[Isaiah 20:3]]). Metaphorically, it depicts spiritual exposure and the disgraceful state of unfaithfulness ([[Ezekiel 16:7]], [[Hosea 2:3]]). While etymologically linked to a root that can mean "to be shrewd" (`{{H6191}}`), its specific usage as עָרוֹם consistently points to the state of being stripped, bare, or exposed, whether physically, socially, or spiritually. The theological trajectory of עָרוֹם thus moves from pristine innocence to profound shame and judgment, ultimately underscoring humanity's desperate need for divine covering and redemptive provision.
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