עַרעָר
𐤏𐤓𐤏𐤓
ʻarʻâr
H6199 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of desert shrub or tree, specifically the juniper or tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla or similar), known for its solitary growth in arid, inhospitable places; used figuratively in poetic and prophetic passages to denote barrenness, desolation, or the cursed state of a person devoid of blessing.
Semantic Range
desert shrub, juniper/tamarisk tree; symbol of desolation, barrenness, cursed or unblessed state
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עָרַר (ʿarar), meaning 'to strip bare, lay bare, destitute.' The noun עַרעָר ('ar‘ar) is a derived form denoting a literal or metaphorical 'bare shrub.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical poetry and prophecy, עַרעָר occurs most notably in Jeremiah 17:6 and possibly in other prophetic literature, where it is contrasted with flourishing trees like the cedar or olive. While some English translations render it as 'heath,' evidence from botany and archaeological findings suggest it is likely a species of tamarisk or juniper that grows in arid regions such as the Arabah or wilderness. The figure evokes vulnerability and isolation, emphasizing lack of nourishment or divine favor. The usage is always metaphorical when applied to people and should be distinguished from עֲרוֹעֵר, which is a place name or may have similar roots. Modern botanical identification is tentative, but the connotation is consistently emptiness or lifelessness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָרַר; naked, i.e. (figuratively) poor; destitute. See also עֲרוֹעֵר.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ערר (ʿ-r-r) — to bare, strip naked, make destitute
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6176 | עֲרוֹעֵר | like a barren shrub |
| H6177 | עֲרוֹעֵר | Exposed-Region |
| H6185 | עֲרִירִי | stripped-of-heirs |
| H6209 | עָרַר | utterly strip bare |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6199-01 |
הָ/עַרְעָ֑ר | haarear | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the destitute | the bare desert-shrub | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6199-01 |
Psalms 102:18 | הָ/עַרְעָ֑ר | haarear | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the destitute | the bare desert-shrub |