a primitive root; to bare; figuratively, to demolish; make bare, break, raise up (perhaps by clerical error for raze), [idiom] utterly.
Transliteration:ʻârar
Pronunciation:aw-rar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The root עָרַר (ʻârar, `{{H6209}}`) is a primitive root carrying the core sense of "to bare" or "to lay bare." This primary meaning extends semantically to actions that result in exposure or denudation. Figuratively, it encompasses the idea of demolition, breaking, or utterly destroying, as these actions leave something exposed and vulnerable, stripped of its protective covering or structure. The nuance "raise up" in the definition is noted as a potential clerical error for "raze," which aligns more consistently with the destructive aspect of the root. The idiom "utterly" emphasizes the completeness of the baring or demolition. This root often implies a forceful, decisive act that leaves nothing remaining or concealed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root עָרַר (ʻârar, `{{H6209}}`) appears in various forms and contexts in the Hebrew Bible, primarily conveying the sense of uncovering, laying waste, or demolishing.
* In [[Psalm 137:7]], the imperative form of עָרַר is used with intense repetition: "Remember, O Lord, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said, 'Lay it bare! Lay it bare! Down to its foundations!'" Here, it expresses a vengeful desire for the complete destruction and exposure of Jerusalem's very foundations, signifying total desolation.
* [[Isaiah 23:13]] describes the destruction of Tyre: "Behold, the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not; Assyria appointed it for desert creatures. They set up their siege towers, they laid bare her palaces, they made it a ruin." The verb here clearly denotes the demolition and exposure of magnificent structures, turning them into ruins.
* While some translations vary, [[Jeremiah 51:58]] in some interpretations suggests a connection to עָרַר for the "utterly broken" nature of Babylon's wall, implying it is stripped of its defenses and laid bare. The context is undeniably one of complete destruction and desolation for Babylon.
* A powerful depiction of divine judgment is found in [[Habakkuk 3:13]]: "You went out for the salvation of Your people, for the salvation of Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah." Here, עָרַר vividly describes the complete exposure and humiliation of the wicked, stripped of all power and dignity, left vulnerable before God's wrath.
Across these occurrences, the consistent theme is one of thorough, often punitive, baring or demolition, leaving no vestige of what was.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of עָרַר (ʻârar, `{{H6209}}`) connects it to several other Hebrew roots and concepts related to destruction, exposure, and desolation.
* **עָרָה (ʻarah, `{{H6168}}`)**: This related root also means "to make bare, uncover, empty." It shares a strong etymological and semantic connection, often appearing in similar contexts of exposing or emptying, as seen in [[Isaiah 3:26]] where "desolate" is derived from ʻarah. While similar, עָרַר often carries a more active and forceful sense of demolition.
* **חָרַב (charab, `{{H2717}}`)**: To be dry, waste, desolate, or laid waste. This root describes the *state* of desolation that often results from the actions implied by עָרַר.
* **שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`)**: To be desolate, appalled, or astonished. Similar to חָרַב, this root describes the outcome or effect of utter destruction.
* **בָּלַע (balaʻ, `{{H1104}}`)**: To swallow down, consume, engulf. While not directly synonymous, the concept of utterly destroying or making something disappear can overlap with the forceful nature of עָרַר.
* **נָתַץ (natats, `{{H5422}}`)**: To pull down, break down, demolish. This root is a close synonym for the "demolish" aspect of עָרַר, focusing specifically on the act of tearing down structures.
The interplay between these words paints a comprehensive picture of the Old Testament understanding of destruction, often divinely ordained, that leaves nothing hidden or intact.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָרַר (ʻârar, `{{H6209}}`) lies primarily in its portrayal of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. When God "bares" or "demolishes," it is an act of sovereign power, revealing the fragility of human constructs and the futility of rebellion against Him.
* **Divine Judgment and Desolation**: The use of עָרַר in contexts like [[Psalm 137:7]] and [[Isaiah 23:13]] clearly depicts God's judgment leading to the utter desolation of cities and nations. This is not merely destruction but a stripping away of all pretense, power, and protection, leaving the subject exposed in its brokenness. It serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.
* **Exposure of Wickedness**: In [[Habakkuk 3:13]], the "laying bare" of the wicked signifies the complete exposure and humiliation of those who oppose God. This act of divine baring is a theological statement about God's justice, where hidden evil is brought to light and utterly dismantled. It underscores the truth that nothing is hidden from God's sight, and ultimately, all will be revealed.
* **The Unveiling of Truth**: While often associated with destruction, the core idea of "to bare" can also implicitly point to the unveiling of truth. When something is laid bare, its true nature, its foundations, or its emptiness are revealed. This can be seen as a facet of God's character as the one who brings all things to light, exposing both sin and His own righteous decrees.
* **Sovereignty Over Creation and History**: The capacity to "bare" or "demolish" speaks to God's absolute sovereignty. He is capable of raising up and tearing down, of building and destroying, demonstrating His ultimate control over the course of human history and the fate of nations.
Thus, עָרַר is a powerful theological term, emphasizing the thoroughness and finality of divine action, whether in judgment, revelation, or the assertion of ultimate authority.
### Summary
The Hebrew root עָרַר (ʻârar, `{{H6209}}`) fundamentally means "to bare" or "to lay bare," extending semantically to "demolish," "break," or "utterly destroy." Its occurrences in the Old Testament consistently convey a sense of complete and decisive action, often resulting in desolation and exposure. From the vengeful calls to "lay bare" Jerusalem's foundations in [[Psalm 137:7]] to the prophetic pronouncements of palaces being "laid bare" in [[Isaiah 23:13]], the verb emphasizes thorough destruction. The divine act of "laying bare" the wicked in [[Habakkuk 3:13]] highlights its use in contexts of divine judgment and the complete exposure of sin. Semantically related to terms like `{{H6168}}` (ʻarah), `{{H2717}}` (charab), and `{{H5422}}` (natats), עָרַר contributes to a rich vocabulary of destruction and desolation. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty in judgment, His capacity to expose wickedness, and the ultimate futility of human resistance. It serves as a potent reminder of the thoroughness of divine justice and the ultimate unveiling of all things before God.
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