### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6193 (ʻôrem) derives from the root עָרַם (ʻaram), which carries the primary sense of "to be shrewd," "to be cunning," or "to be crafty." As a noun, ʻôrem denotes the quality or result of this shrewdness, specifically a "stratagem," "craftiness," or "subtlety." It refers to a specific action or trait characterized by this astute, often manipulative, intelligence. While the broader semantic field of the root ʻaram can encompass both positive prudence (e.g., in the context of wisdom) and negative cunning, H6193 itself, in its singular biblical occurrence, leans decisively towards the negative connotation of craftiness used for deceptive or self-serving purposes. It describes a shrewdness that lacks moral uprightness, focusing on artful contrivance rather than genuine wisdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6193 (ʻôrem) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* [[Job 5:13]]: "He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the cunning are quickly thwarted."
This verse is part of Eliphaz's discourse to Job, where he asserts God's overarching justice and sovereignty. In this context, "craftiness" (עֹרֶם, ʻôrem) is presented as a negative attribute of those who are ostensibly "wise" (חֲכָמִים, ḥăḵāmîm) but whose wisdom is perverted into manipulation. The parallelism with "the schemes of the cunning" (עִצַּת נִפְתָּלִים, ʻitṣṣat nip̄tālîm) strongly reinforces this negative understanding. The term "nip̄tālîm" (from `{{H6617}}` pāthal) refers to those who are "twisted," "devious," or "perverse." Thus, ʻôrem in this sole instance refers to a form of shrewdness that is morally objectionable, a cunning employed for malevolent or self-serving ends, which God ultimately frustrates and turns back upon its practitioners. It highlights the divine triumph over human artifice.
### Related Words & Concepts
H6193 is closely related to other words derived from the same root עָרַם (ʻaram):
* `{{H6175}}` (ʻārûm): An adjective meaning "shrewd," "prudent," or "crafty." This word often carries a dual semantic potential, capable of denoting both positive wisdom (e.g., [[Proverbs 14:8]], "The prudence of the prudent is to understand his way") and negative cunning (e.g., [[Genesis 3:1]], describing the serpent as "more crafty").
* `{{H6191}}` (ʻormâ): A noun meaning "prudence," "shrewdness," or "craftiness." Similar to ʻārûm, it can be used positively (e.g., [[Proverbs 8:5]], "O simple ones, learn prudence") or negatively (e.g., [[Joshua 9:4]], describing the Gibeonites' "craftiness").
The specific word ʻôrem (H6193) appears to be a more narrowly defined term, focusing on the *act* or *quality* of craftiness in a predominantly negative sense, particularly when contrasted with God's justice.
Conceptually, ʻôrem stands in opposition to true wisdom (`{{H2451}}` ḥokmâ) and understanding (`{{H998}}` bînâ), which are rooted in the fear of the Lord. It aligns with concepts of deceit (`{{H4820}}` mirmâ), wickedness (`{{H7451}}` rešaʻ), and perversity (`{{H6617}}` pāthal), emphasizing human attempts to manipulate circumstances for unrighteous gain, rather than walking in integrity.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H6193 (ʻôrem) in [[Job 5:13]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning divine sovereignty and justice:
* **God's Overriding Sovereignty:** The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over all human endeavors. Even the most cunningly devised human stratagems are subject to divine oversight and can be turned against their architects. This underscores the futility of relying on human craftiness when it stands in opposition to God's will or righteousness.
* **The Nature of True Wisdom:** The passage implicitly contrasts genuine, God-given wisdom with worldly cunning. While the world may value shrewdness, God exposes its emptiness when it is devoid of righteousness. This resonates with New Testament teachings that distinguish between the "wisdom of this world" and the "wisdom from above" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 1:19-20]], [[James 3:13-17]]). True wisdom leads to life and righteousness, whereas self-serving craftiness leads to one's own downfall.
* **Divine Retribution and Justice:** The statement "He catches the wise in their own craftiness" illustrates a principle of divine poetic justice. God uses the very means by which the wicked seek to achieve their ends to bring about their undoing. This serves as a warning against relying on manipulative schemes and highlights God's righteous judgment against those who operate with deceit.
* **Call to Integrity:** By exposing the ultimate failure of ʻôrem, the text implicitly calls believers to walk in integrity, honesty, and trust in God's righteous ways, rather than resorting to human cunning or manipulation.
### Summary
H6193 (ʻôrem) is a Hebrew noun signifying "craftiness" or "a stratagem," derived from the root עָרַם (ʻaram). While its root can imply both positive prudence and negative cunning, ʻôrem itself, in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 5:13]], is used in a distinctly negative sense. It describes the deceptive shrewdness of those who are "wise" in their own eyes but whose schemes God ultimately thwarts, causing them to be ensnared by their own devices. Theologically, ʻôrem underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human manipulation, demonstrating that no amount of human cunning can undermine divine justice or purpose. It serves as a potent reminder that worldly craftiness, when employed for unrighteous ends, inevitably leads to self-destruction, contrasting sharply with the true and righteous wisdom that originates from God.
TRV