The Hebrew word ʻôrem, represented by H6193, refers to craftiness or a stratagem. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its sole usage particularly pointed. The term is derived from a root word meaning a stratagem, and it describes a form of cunning that is ultimately ensnared by God.
The single appearance of H6193 is in Job 5:13, which states, "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." In this context, the word is used to describe the very tool of the supposedly wise that God turns against them. It illustrates a divine reversal where human cleverness becomes the cause of its own undoing. The verse immediately connects this trait to failure, adding that "the counsel of the froward is carried headlong."
Several related words expand on the theme of human cunning versus divine sovereignty:
- H2450 châkâm (wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)): While this can mean genuinely wise, it is often used for those who are "wise to do evil" Jeremiah 4:22 or "wise in thine own eyes" Proverbs 3:7, a quality that H6193 is used to entrap.
- H3920 lâkad (to catch (in a net, trap or pit)): This action word is paired with craftiness. Just as God taketh the wise in their craftiness Job 5:13, the psalmist prays that a hidden net might catch its maker Psalms 35:8.
- H6098 ʻêtsâh (advice; by implication, plan): This refers to the counsel or plans devised by humans. Scripture contrasts this with God's plans, stating that while a man has many devices in his heart, it is the counsel of the LORD that shall stand Proverbs 19:21.
- H4116 mâhar (to hurry... be carried headlong): This describes the fate of crafty counsel. It is linked to negative haste, such as "feet that be swift in running to mischief" Proverbs 6:18, and describes the way the plans of the froward are carried headlong to failure Job 5:13.
The theological significance of H6193 is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty over human schemes.
- Divine Reversal: The core concept is that God turns human strengths—in this case, the craftiness of the wise—into the very instrument of their downfall. He "taketh the wise in their own craftiness" Job 5:13, demonstrating that no human stratagem is effective against Him.
- Futility of Human Counsel: The craftiness is linked to the "counsel of the froward" Job 5:13. This theme is reinforced elsewhere, showing that human plans are ultimately transient compared to God's purpose. While man has many devices, "the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" Proverbs 19:21.
- Judgment on Prideful Wisdom: The word is used in a context of judgment against those who are wise in their own estimation. This serves as a warning against self-reliant cunning, echoing the command, "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD" Proverbs 3:7.
In summary, H6193 ʻôrem is a highly specific term whose meaning is sharpened by its singular use in Scripture. It is not merely a word for cleverness but specifically for the self-defeating craftiness that God entraps and overthrows. Its context in Job 5:13 serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that human plans and stratagems are ultimately subject to God's judgment. The word encapsulates the biblical principle that wisdom used in opposition to God becomes the very trap for its user.
TRV