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עַרְוָה

𐤏𐤓𐤅𐤄

ʻarvâh

H6173 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ערה to be bare, to uncover, to expose

Definition

A state of being uncovered, both in the literal sense of physical nakedness and the figurative sense of being exposed to shame, embarrassment, or vulnerability; in some contexts, can refer to the exposure of one's poverty or dishonored state. In Biblical Aramaic, often presents an extension to general states of being deprived, especially as a figure for destitution or dishonor.

Semantic Range

physical nakedness, bareness, exposure (literal), impoverishment, destitution, dishonor, disgrace (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Root ערה, meaning 'to be bare, to uncover.' עַרְוָה is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew עֶרְוָה. The noun form develops a noun meaning from the root's basic sense of exposure or bareness, expanding to encompass both literal and metaphorical nakedness or lack.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Biblical Aramaic, as found in Daniel 4:15 (4:12, English), עַרְוָה describes the bareness of the earth after the felling of a tree, indicating not only physical exposure but also a state of deprivation and loss. The term is reserved for contexts where the focus is on the resultant lack—of covering, honor, or resources—rather than on personal shame in the sexual or ritual sense, as is often the case with the Hebrew עֶרְוָה. In later periods, the semantic range broadened in Aramaic and related languages to mean general poverty or need. Standard English translations as 'poverty' or 'impoverishment' can obscure the original imagery of exposure or bareness. The term is rare and highly context-dependent, and should be distinguished from Hebrew terms for nakedness (עֶרְוָה) when those emphasize sexual or ritual vulnerability.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to עֶרְוָה; nakedness, i.e. (figuratively) impoverishment; dishonor.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ערה (ʿ-r-h) — to be bare, to uncover, to expose

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4626 מַעַר like the exposed part of
H4629 מַעֲרֶה from an exposed pasture
H4630 מַעֲרָה bare clearings of
H4631 מְעָרָה in the cave
H4632 מְעָרָה and Mearah

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6173-01 וְ/עַרְוַ֣ת vearevat AC/Ncfsc and-dishonor-of and exposure-of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6173-01 Ezra 4:14 וְ/עַרְוַ֣ת vearevat AC/Ncfsc and-dishonor-of and exposure-of
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