from עָרַץ; fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical; mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent.
Transliteration:ʻârîyts
Pronunciation:aw-reets'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6184 (ʻârîyts) is derived from the root `{{H6206}}` (ʻârats), which conveys the sense of dread, fear, trembling, or standing in awe. Consequently, ʻârîyts describes that which *causes* such dread or fear. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both a neutral or even positive sense of "mighty" or "terrible" (in the sense of awe-inspiring power), and a decidedly negative connotation of "tyrannical," "oppressor," or "violent." The primary nuance, particularly in its biblical usage, leans heavily towards the latter, portraying individuals or nations whose power is exercised in a way that inspires fear due to their oppressive, violent, or arrogant nature. Thus, it denotes one who is powerful enough to instill terror, often through unjust means.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻârîyts appears approximately 15 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the prophetic books and wisdom literature, specifically Job, Psalms, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Its usage consistently highlights the destructive and unjust nature of human power when wielded without divine guidance or moral restraint.
In Job, ʻârîyts frequently describes the wicked or the oppressor, whose actions bring suffering and whose ultimate end is destruction. For instance, [[Job 15:20]] states, "The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden from the oppressor (ʻârîyts)," directly linking the ʻârîyts with wickedness and impending judgment. Similarly, [[Job 27:13]] speaks of "the heritage of oppressors (ʻârîyts) which they receive from the Almighty," underscoring the divine retribution awaiting such individuals.
In the Psalms, the term often appears in laments or declarations of God's justice. [[Psalm 37:35]] describes the "wicked in great power" (often translated as "terrible" or "tyrant"), whose temporary flourishing stands in stark contrast to their eventual downfall, assured by God. This usage reinforces the idea of a powerful, yet ultimately transient, human force.
Isaiah employs ʻârîyts to depict the haughty and tyrannical nations or individuals whom God will judge. In [[Isaiah 13:11]], God declares, "I will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible (ʻârîyts)," referring to the proud and oppressive powers that will face divine wrath. [[Isaiah 25:3]] offers a unique context, stating, "Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of terrible (ʻârîyts) nations shall fear thee." Here, ʻârîyts nations are those that are themselves powerful and inspire fear, but who will ultimately be humbled and brought to fear the Lord. This demonstrates God's supreme power over even the most formidable human forces.
Jeremiah also uses ʻârîyts to describe the oppressive enemies from whom God promises deliverance. In [[Jeremiah 15:21]], God assures the prophet, "And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible (ʻârîyts)," positioning God as the rescuer from those who cause terror and oppression.
Overall, the contexts reveal ʻârîyts as a descriptor for those who wield power in a way that causes fear, often through violence, injustice, or arrogance, and who are consistently portrayed as targets of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic relation of ʻârîyts is to its root verb, `{{H6206}}` (ʻârats), "to dread, fear, tremble, stand in awe of." While ʻârats can describe a legitimate awe (e.g., before God), ʻârîyts typically describes the *agent* who causes dread, often in a negative, oppressive sense.
Other related Hebrew terms and concepts include:
* `{{H6231}}` (ʻāshaq): "to oppress, extort." This verb describes the action of the ʻârîyts.
* `{{H7451}}` (rāshaʻ): "wicked, guilty." The ʻârîyts is often synonymous with or a manifestation of the rāshaʻ.
* `{{H2555}}` (chamās): "violence, wrong, injustice." This noun describes the behavior characteristic of an ʻârîyts.
* `{{H7688}}` (shoded): "plunderer, destroyer." Another term for one who inflicts harm, similar to the ʻârîyts.
* Concepts such as tyranny, oppression, injustice, violence, and terror are intrinsically linked to the meaning of ʻârîyts. Conversely, terms like "the righteous," "the poor," "the afflicted," and "the humble" often stand in direct contrast to the ʻârîyts, representing those who suffer under their power and for whom God intervenes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻârîyts is profound, articulating core biblical themes:
1. **Divine Justice and Sovereignty:** The consistent portrayal of the ʻârîyts as subject to God's judgment highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice. Despite the temporal power and apparent invincibility of human oppressors, the biblical narrative asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The ʻârîyts serves as a stark reminder that no human authority, however formidable, can ultimately defy the divine will. God is depicted as the one who "lays low the haughtiness" and "breaks the arm of the wicked."
2. **The Nature of Human Wickedness:** ʻârîyts encapsulates the destructive potential of human power when divorced from righteousness and compassion. It speaks to the reality of evil, tyranny, and injustice in the world, reminding humanity of the consequences of pride, greed, and violence. The term serves as a theological warning against the abuse of power.
3. **Hope for the Oppressed:** For those who suffer under the yoke of oppression, the consistent biblical promise of God's judgment upon the ʻârîyts offers immense hope and comfort. It assures the afflicted that their cries are heard, and that divine intervention will ultimately bring about their vindication and the downfall of their oppressors. This theme reinforces God's character as a protector of the vulnerable and a deliverer of the oppressed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6184 (ʻârîyts) denotes one who causes dread, primarily through the exercise of oppressive, tyrannical, or violent power. While capable of describing mighty forces, its biblical usage predominantly refers to human oppressors, wicked individuals, or powerful nations whose actions instill fear and suffering. The consistent portrayal of the ʻârîyts in the Old Testament emphasizes God's unwavering justice, His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers, and His steadfast commitment to judging the wicked and delivering the oppressed. Thus, ʻârîyts stands as a powerful descriptor of human wickedness and a testament to God's righteous and redemptive intervention in history.
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