from עָרֵל; properly, exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically,; uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed); uncircumcised (person).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻârêl**, represented by `{{H6189}}`, is a technical term for an **uncircumcised** person. It appears **35 times** across **32 unique verses** in the Bible. While it literally refers to one who is physically uncircumcised, it is frequently used to describe a state of spiritual separation, rebellion, or being an outsider to the covenant people of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its primary context, `{{H6189}}` defines who is outside the covenant of circumcision established with Abraham. An **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` male was to be cut off from his people for having broken the covenant [[Genesis 17:14]], and no **uncircumcised person** `{{H6189}}` was permitted to **eat** `{{H398}}` the Passover meal [[Exodus 12:48]]. The term was also used as a reproach against Israel's enemies, as when David referred to Goliath as "this **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` Philistine" who dared to **defy** `{{H2778}}` God's armies [[1 Samuel 17:26]]. The concept is also applied metaphorically to describe spiritual unresponsiveness, such as having an **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` ear that cannot **hearken** `{{H7181}}` to God's word [[Jeremiah 6:10]] or **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` **hearts** `{{H3820}}` that need to be humbled [[Leviticus 26:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of `{{H6189}}`:
* `{{H6190}}` **ʻorlâh** (foreskin): This noun is the physical object associated with being uncircumcised. In God's covenant, the **flesh** `{{H1320}}` of the **foreskin** `{{H6190}}` was to be **circumcised** `{{H4135}}` [[Genesis 17:14]].
* `{{H4135}}` **mûwl** (circumcise): This verb, meaning to **circumcise**, represents the direct action that remedies the state of being `{{H6189}}`. It is used for both the physical act and for the command to **circumcise** `{{H4135}}` the foreskin of the heart [[Deuteronomy 10:16]].
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (covenant): Being `{{H6189}}` is a state of breaking the **covenant** `{{H1285}}` [[Genesis 17:14]]. Bringing those who are **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` in heart and flesh into the sanctuary is described as breaking God's **covenant** `{{H1285}}` [[Ezekiel 44:7]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (heart): This word is central to the figurative use of `{{H6189}}`. Israel is described as being **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` in the **heart** `{{H3820}}` [[Jeremiah 9:26]], signifying an inner rebellion despite any outward conformity.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6189}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of the Old Testament.
* **Covenant Identity:** To be **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` was to be outside the covenant community, both ritually and nationally. This state marked one as a stranger and an enemy, who could be **abused** `{{H5953}}` or killed without the same consequence as an Israelite [[1 Samuel 31:4]].
* **Spiritual Condition:** The term extends beyond the physical to diagnose a spiritual malady. An **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` heart or ear represents a will and mind closed to God, unable to **hearken** `{{H7181}}` or be humbled ([[Leviticus 26:41]], [[Jeremiah 6:10]]). Moses even described his own perceived inadequacy as having **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` **lips** `{{H8193}}` [[Exodus 6:12]].
* **Divine Judgment:** In prophetic judgment, dying as one of the **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` is a mark of ultimate shame and defeat. Ezekiel repeatedly describes the fate of Pharaoh and other enemies of God as being laid with the **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` who are **slain** `{{H2491}}` by the **sword** `{{H2719}}` and have gone down to the **pit** `{{H953}}` ([[Ezekiel 31:18]], [[Ezekiel 32:24]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6189}}` is a critical term that defines status in relation to God's covenant. It moves from a literal, physical state to a profound metaphor for spiritual hardness and rebellion. Whether referring to a Philistine enemy, a disobedient Israelite with an **uncircumcised** `{{H6189}}` heart, or a prophet feeling unfit for his calling, the word consistently denotes a state of separation from or unreadiness for the divine presence and commands.
TRV