feminine of עָרֵל; the prepuce; foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised.
Transliteration:ʻorlâh
Pronunciation:or-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עׇרְלָה (ʻorlâh, `{{H6190}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the adjective עָרֵל (ʻarēl, `{{H6189}}`), meaning "uncircumcised." Its primary and literal meaning is "foreskin" or "prepuce," referring to the anatomical part of the male genitalia removed during circumcision. Beyond this literal sense, ʻorlâh extends its semantic range metaphorically to describe a state of being "uncircumcised" or "closed off" in a spiritual or metaphorical sense. This includes "uncircumcised heart," "uncircumcised ears," and "uncircumcised lips," signifying spiritual insensitivity, deafness to God's word, or an inability to speak effectively for God, respectively. In a unique agricultural context, it also refers to the "uncircumcised" or forbidden fruit of a tree for the first three years, implying a state of being unhallowed or unusable for sacred purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻorlâh appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in two distinct contexts:
1. **Literal Foreskin in Covenant Context:**
* In the foundational covenant with Abraham, ʻorlâh is the physical mark of the covenant, to be removed from every male (e.g., [[Genesis 17:11]], [[Genesis 17:14]]). Its removal signifies inclusion in God's people and participation in the covenant promises.
* The Law reiterates this command, specifying circumcision on the eighth day (e.g., [[Leviticus 12:3]]).
* In the Passover regulations, an uncircumcised male (ʻorlâh) is explicitly forbidden from partaking in the Passover, emphasizing the physical mark as a prerequisite for communal worship and identity (e.g., [[Exodus 12:48]]).
* The term also appears in contexts of conquest and battle, where the foreskins of enemies served as a grim trophy, as seen with David and the Philistines (e.g., [[1 Samuel 18:25]], [[1 Samuel 18:27]]).
2. **Figurative "Uncircumcision":**
* **Uncircumcised Heart:** This is the most prevalent metaphorical usage. It denotes spiritual hardness, rebellion, impurity, or an inability to respond to God's commands and love. Examples include [[Leviticus 26:41]], where God promises to humble Israel's "uncircumcised heart," and [[Deuteronomy 10:16]] and [[Jeremiah 4:4]], which command the people to "circumcise the foreskin of your heart," implying a need for internal repentance and devotion. [[Jeremiah 9:26]] further clarifies that physical circumcision without a circumcised heart is of no avail. [[Ezekiel 44:7]] and [[Ezekiel 44:9]] speak of "uncircumcised in heart" foreigners defiling the sanctuary.
* **Uncircumcised Ears:** In [[Jeremiah 6:10]], the prophet laments that the people's "ear is uncircumcised," meaning they are unwilling or unable to hear and receive God's word.
* **Uncircumcised Lips:** Moses uses this phrase to describe his own perceived inadequacy in speaking before Pharaoh, suggesting a deficiency or impediment in his ability to articulate God's message (e.g., [[Exodus 6:12]], [[Exodus 6:30]]).
* **Uncircumcised Fruit:** [[Leviticus 19:23]] uses ʻorlâh to describe the fruit of a newly planted tree for its first three years, which is considered "uncircumcised" and thus forbidden to eat. This usage signifies a state of being unhallowed or not yet ready for use, requiring a period of maturation before it can be consecrated.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻorlâh is enriched by understanding its lexical and conceptual kin:
* **עָרֵל (ʻarēl, `{{H6189}}`):** The adjective from which ʻorlâh is derived, meaning "uncircumcised." It describes the state of possessing ʻorlâh or having an "uncircumcised heart."
* **מוּל (mûl, `{{H4135}}`):** The verb "to circumcise," which is the action performed upon ʻorlâh.
* **מִילָה (mîlāh, `{{H4411}}`):** The noun for "circumcision," referring to the act itself.
* **בְּרִית (bᵉrît, `{{H1285}}`):** "Covenant." ʻorlâh is inextricably linked to the Abrahamic covenant as its physical sign, distinguishing Israel as God's chosen people.
* **לֵב (lēḇ, `{{H3820}}`):** "Heart." The concept of the "uncircumcised heart" highlights the inner spiritual condition, emphasizing that true devotion goes beyond external ritual.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The removal of ʻorlâh in both literal and figurative senses relates to concepts of ritual purity, separation, and consecration to God. The "uncircumcised" fruit in [[Leviticus 19:23]] exemplifies this, as it is not yet fit for consumption or offering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻorlâh is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Covenant Identity:** Literally, ʻorlâh represents the physical barrier that, once removed through circumcision, signifies Israel's unique identity as the covenant people of God. It was a visible, indelible mark of belonging and a constant reminder of the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
2. **External vs. Internal Piety:** The most significant theological development of ʻorlâh lies in its metaphorical application to the heart. The prophets, especially Moses and Jeremiah, used "uncircumcised heart" to critique a superficial adherence to the covenant. They emphasized that true covenant faithfulness requires an internal transformation, a softening of the heart to receive and obey God's law. This anticipates the New Covenant emphasis on inward renewal (e.g., [[Romans 2:29]], [[Colossians 2:11]]).
3. **Spiritual Receptivity:** An "uncircumcised heart" or "uncircumcised ears" signifies spiritual insensitivity, an inability or unwillingness to hear, understand, and respond to God's word. This spiritual ʻorlâh is a barrier to genuine communion with God and a cause of divine judgment.
4. **Divine Initiative in Transformation:** While humans are commanded to "circumcise the foreskin of your heart" ([[Deuteronomy 10:16]]), there is also a recognition that God Himself must perform this spiritual circumcision ([[Deuteronomy 30:6]]). This highlights the necessity of divine grace in enabling true spiritual responsiveness and obedience.
5. **Holiness and Separation:** The concept of ʻorlâh underscores the biblical theme of holiness—being set apart for God. Whether it's the physical mark distinguishing Israel or the spiritual state of the heart, the removal of ʻorlâh signifies a move towards consecration and purity in the sight of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻorlâh (`{{H6190}}`) primarily denotes "foreskin," serving as the literal object of the covenant sign of circumcision for Abraham and his descendants. This physical removal marked Israel as God's chosen people, distinct and set apart. However, ʻorlâh transcends its literal meaning to convey a profound spiritual truth. In its metaphorical usage, particularly "uncircumcised heart," it describes a state of spiritual insensitivity, rebellion, or impurity, highlighting an inner resistance to God's will. Similarly, "uncircumcised ears" and "lips" speak to an inability to hear or speak God's truth effectively. The consistent biblical call to "circumcise the heart" underscores the necessity of internal transformation and a genuine, responsive relationship with God, moving beyond mere external ritual to a heart fully devoted to Him.
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