Word Study for H6210 (עֶרֶשׂ)

ʻeres /eh'res/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom an unused root meaning perhaps to arch

Meaninga couch (properly, with a canopy)

KJV usagebed(-stead), couch.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʻeres — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻeres, represented by H6210, refers to a couch or bed. It appears 10 times across 9 unique verses in scripture. While its core definition is a piece of furniture for rest, the term carries a range of powerful connotations, describing a place of sickness, luxury, intimacy, and solemn vows. Its specific meaning is deeply shaped by its context, elevating it from a simple object to a symbol of a person's physical and spiritual condition.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H6210 is used in several distinct contexts. It can be a place of profound suffering, as when the psalmist waters his couch with tears Psalms 6:6 or when God strengthens the faithful upon the bed of languishing Psalms 41:3. In sharp contrast, it signifies sinful luxury and complacency, as with those who "stretch themselves upon their couches" Amos 6:4 or the adulterous woman who has decked her bed with imported finery Proverbs 7:16. It is also used to describe the uniquely massive iron bedstead of Og, king of Bashan Deuteronomy 3:11, highlighting its impressive size. In a context of love, it becomes a symbol of life and fruitfulness when the lovers declare "our bed is green" Song of Solomon 1:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words for beds and couches appear alongside H6210, adding texture to its meaning:

H4296 miṭṭâh (bed): This common term for a bed is used for both rest and sickness. The self-indulgent in Amos lie on beds H4296 of ivory and stretch out on their couches H6210 Amos 6:4.
H4904 mishkâb (bed, couch): This word is also used for a place of rest or illness. God promises to make the sick person's bed H4904 in his sickness Psalms 41:3, and Job hopes his couch H4904 and bed H6210 will bring him comfort Job 7:13.
H3326 yâtsûwaʻ (bed, couch): This term appears in parallel with H6210 in David's vow not to go up into his bed H6210 H3326 until he finds a place for the LORD's house Psalms 132:3.

Theological Significance

The thematic weight of H6210 is significant, often representing the state of a person's heart.

A Place of Vulnerability and Divine Support: The bed or couch is frequently the setting for human weakness, whether from sickness or grief. It is in this vulnerable state that God's presence is sought and felt. The LORD is described as one who strengthens the ailing on their bed of languishing Psalms 41:3.
A Symbol of Pride and Judgment: For the complacent, the couch symbolizes decadent pride and distance from God. The wealthy of Samaria are condemned for their luxurious couches Amos 6:4. Being rescued from a couch in Damascus is shown as a meager escape from judgment Amos 3:12.
A Representation of Intimacy and Consecration: H6210 can also signify a place of intimate fellowship or sacred vows. The "green bed" suggests a vibrant, blessed relationship Song of Solomon 1:16, while David forgoes the comfort of his bed out of devotion to God Psalms 132:3.

Summary

In summary, H6210 is far more than a simple household item. It serves as a powerful stage for critical moments in human experience, from the depths of sorrow to the heights of luxury and the intimacy of love. The condition of one's ʻeres in scripture often provides a mirror to the condition of their life and their relationship with God, whether they are in humble dependence, arrogant rebellion, or blessed fellowship.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 10 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

עֶרֶשׂ
עַרְשׂוֹתָ
עָרֶשׂ

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Psalms (3 verses); never once in the other 33.

Deuteronomy

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Song of Solomon

Amos

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.