a primitive root; properly, to strip; but used as denominative from עָרֵל; to expose or remove the prepuce, whether literal (to go naked) or figurative (to refrain from using); count uncircumcised, foreskin to be uncovered.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻârêl**, represented by `{{H6188}}`, is a primitive root used to mean stripping or exposing. As a denominative, it refers to exposing or removing the prepuce, or more broadly, to count something as uncircumcised and refrain from using it. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying both a literal and figurative weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H6188}}` is applied in two distinct contexts. In the Law, it establishes an agricultural prohibition. When the Israelites plant `{{H5193}}` new trees `{{H6086}}` for food `{{H3978}}`, they are commanded to **count** the fruit `{{H6529}}` thereof as **uncircumcised** for three `{{H7969}}` years `{{H8141}}`, meaning it is not to be eaten `{{H398}}` [[Leviticus 19:23]]. Figuratively, the word is used by the prophet Habakkuk to describe intense judgment and disgrace. Those filled with shame `{{H7036}}` rather than glory `{{H3519}}` are told to drink `{{H8354}}` from the cup `{{H3563}}` of the LORD's `{{H3068}}` judgment, and as a result, must "let thy **foreskin be uncovered**" [[Habakkuk 2:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of `{{H6188}}`:
* `{{H6189}}` **ʻârêl** (uncircumcised (person)): This is the adjectival form, describing someone as literally uncircumcised or, metaphorically, having an uncircumcised heart or ear [[Jeremiah 9:26]]. It is used in [[Leviticus 19:23]] to describe the state of the fruit.
* `{{H6190}}` **ʻorlâh** (foreskin): This noun, also used in [[Leviticus 19:23]], refers to the physical foreskin [[Genesis 17:14]] and is extended metaphorically to the heart, as in the command to remove the "foreskins of your heart" [[Jeremiah 4:4]].
* `{{H6529}}` **pᵉrîy** (fruit): The object that is to be counted as "uncircumcised" in [[Leviticus 19:23]] is the **fruit** of the tree, extending the concept of being set apart from people to the produce of the land.
* `{{H7036}}` **qâlôwn** (disgrace; shame): This term is used in parallel with the action of `{{H6188}}` in [[Habakkuk 2:16]], where being filled with **shame** is directly connected to the humiliating exposure of being uncovered.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6188}}` is evident in its dual application.
* **Agricultural Consecration:** The law in [[Leviticus 19:23]] uses the term to set a boundary, treating the initial fruit as ritually prohibited. This establishes a principle of patience and acknowledges a period of maturation before the produce can be used, connecting the land's yield to divine order.
* **Metaphor for Judgment:** In [[Habakkuk 2:16]], having one's foreskin uncovered is a powerful metaphor for being exposed to utter humiliation and divine wrath. It signifies the stripping away of all glory `{{H3519}}` and honor, leaving one vulnerable and disgraced before others.
* **Literal and Figurative Bridge:** The word illustrates how a concrete physical state—uncircumcision—is used to communicate broader spiritual and ritual concepts. It can describe fruit that is not ready for use or a person who is subjected to the deepest form of shame.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6188}}` is a specific term that means to expose or count as uncircumcised. Though rare, its uses are significant, defining a ritual state for agricultural produce in the Law and serving as a powerful image of disgrace and judgment in the prophets. It effectively demonstrates how the Bible applies physical concepts to teach lessons about consecration, patience, and the consequences of turning away from God.
TRV