(Jeremiah 50:26) or (feminine) עֲרֵמָה; from עָרַם; a heap; specifically, a sheaf; heap (of corn), sheaf.
Transliteration:ʻârêm
Pronunciation:aw-rame'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6194 (ʻârêm), along with its more frequently occurring feminine form עֲרֵמָה (ʻărêmâh), derives from the root עָרַם (ʻâram, `{{H6192}}`), meaning "to pile up" or "to heap up." Fundamentally, H6194 denotes an accumulated mass or quantity. Its primary semantic range encompasses a "heap," particularly a "heap of grain" or a "sheaf" of harvested produce. This core meaning emphasizes the act or result of gathering and piling, suggesting both abundance and, in other contexts, the consequences of overwhelming quantity or destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The masculine plural form עָרֵמִים (ʻârêmîm) is explicitly referenced in [[Jeremiah 50:26]], where it describes the utter destruction of Babylon: "Cast her up as heaps" (סֻלּוּהָ כַּעֲרֵמִים), indicating complete ruin. Similarly, in [[Job 15:28]], the wicked are said to dwell in "houses which are ready to become heaps" (לְעָרֵמִים), again signifying desolation.
The feminine form עֲרֵמָה (ʻărêmâh) and its plural עֲרֵמוֹת (ʻărêmôt) appear more frequently and illuminate the word's broader usage:
* **Abundance and Overwhelm:** In [[Exodus 8:14]] (English 8:10), the frogs from the plague were gathered "in heaps" (עֲרֵמוֹת), illustrating the overwhelming scale of the divine judgment.
* **Agricultural Bounty and Security:** [[Ruth 3:7]] describes Boaz lying at the "heap of corn" (הָעֲרֵמָה), a place of harvest and security. [[Song of Solomon 7:2]] (7:3 Hebrew) uses "a heap of wheat" (עֲרֵמַת חִטִּים) as a metaphor for the beloved's beauty and fertility, symbolizing abundance.
* **Harvest and Offerings:** [[Nehemiah 13:15]] speaks of "bringing in sheaves" (וּמְבִיאִים עֲרֵמוֹת), referring to the gathered produce, likely intended for tithes or offerings.
* **Diminished Harvest/Judgment:** In [[Haggai 2:16]], the prophet laments a diminished harvest: "When one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were but ten" (עֲרֵמַת עֶשְׂרִים), illustrating divine displeasure and a curse on agricultural yield.
Across these contexts, H6194 consistently denotes a significant quantity, whether of something desirable (grain) or undesirable (frogs, ruins).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection is to the verbal root עָרַם (ʻâram, `{{H6192}}`), meaning "to pile up" or "to heap up." This root emphasizes the action that results in the ʻârêm.
Other Hebrew words that convey the concept of a "heap" include:
* נֵד (ned, `{{H5081}}`): Often used for a "heap" of water, as in [[Exodus 15:8]].
* חֹמֶר (chomer, `{{H2563}}`): Can refer to a "heap" of produce or a pile of rubbish.
* גַּל (gal, `{{H1530}}`): Commonly denotes a "heap" of stones or ruins.
The concept of a "heap" is intrinsically linked to themes of harvest, storage, abundance, and conversely, desolation and destruction.
### Theological Significance
The term H6194 and its feminine counterpart ʻărêmâh carry significant theological weight, often serving as tangible markers of God's interaction with humanity, particularly concerning blessing and judgment.
* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** In agricultural contexts ([[Ruth 3:7]], [[Song of Solomon 7:2]], [[Nehemiah 13:15]]), "heaps" of grain or sheaves symbolize the Lord's abundant provision and the fruitfulness of the land. A plentiful harvest, resulting in great "heaps," was a clear sign of God's favor and covenant faithfulness, as promised in passages like [[Leviticus 26:5]].
* **Divine Judgment and Desolation:** Conversely, "heaps" can represent the devastating consequences of divine wrath. The "heaps of frogs" in [[Exodus 8:14]] vividly illustrate the overwhelming nature of God's plagues. More starkly, cities reduced to "heaps" of ruins ([[Job 15:28]], [[Jeremiah 50:26]]) signify utter destruction and the irreversible judgment against wickedness. The diminished "heap" in [[Haggai 2:16]] serves as a sign of God's withdrawal of blessing due to disobedience, leading to scarcity rather than abundance.
Thus, the presence or absence, and the nature, of these "heaps" often reflect the spiritual state of the people and the corresponding divine response.
### Summary
H6194 (ʻârêm) and its feminine form ʻărêmâh refer to a "heap," primarily of grain or produce, but also of ruins or other accumulated masses. Derived from the root "to pile up," the word signifies a considerable quantity. Its biblical usage reveals a dual theological significance: it serves as a powerful symbol of **divine provision and abundance** when referring to bountiful harvests and fertility, and conversely, it dramatically illustrates **divine judgment and desolation** when describing overwhelming plagues or cities reduced to rubble. The word, therefore, vividly portrays the physical manifestations of God's sovereign hand in blessing or in curse, often tied to the land and its yield.
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