עָוֺן

perversity, i.e. (moral) evil

Definition

The Hebrew word עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) primarily denotes 'iniquity' or 'perversity,' referring to a state of moral crookedness or guilt resulting from sin. It often describes the inherent guilt or punishment that follows wrongdoing, as seen in Exodus 34:7 where God visits 'the iniquity of the fathers on the children.' In some contexts, it specifically means the punishment for sin, such as in Genesis 4:13 where Cain says his 'punishment is greater than I can bear.' The word can also refer to the sin itself, the act of iniquity, as in Psalm 51:5 (H51:7 in Hebrew) where David confesses being 'brought forth in iniquity.'

Biblical Usage

עָוֺן is used 213 times across the Old Testament, especially in the Pentateuch (e.g., Genesis 15:16; Exodus 20:5) and the Prophets, where it frequently appears in contexts of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. It is common in priestly texts dealing with atonement, such as Exodus 28:38, where Aaron bears the 'iniquity of the holy things.' The word often occurs in phrases about bearing, forgiving, or punishing iniquity, highlighting its link to guilt and retribution.

Etymology

Derived from the root עָוָה (ʻāvâ, H5753), meaning 'to bend' or 'to twist,' עָוֺן literally conveys the idea of being crooked or perverted. This root suggests a deviation from what is straight or right, metaphorically describing moral distortion. The noun form emphasizes the state or result of such twisting—whether as the act of sin, the guilt incurred, or the consequent punishment.

Semantic Range

עָוֺן is theologically significant as it captures the comprehensive nature of sin: not just the act, but also the resulting guilt and deserved punishment. It is central to understanding biblical concepts of justice, atonement, and divine holiness, as seen in passages like Exodus 34:7 and Levitical sin offerings. Grasping this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by revealing how sin's consequences are interwoven with God's character—both in judgment, as in visiting iniquity, and in grace, as in forgiving it (Psalm 32:5).

In ancient Israelite culture, עָוֺン was understood within a communal and covenantal framework, where sin could affect entire families or nations (Exodus 20:5). Unlike modern individualistic views of guilt, it often carried a sense of collective responsibility and tangible consequences, such as national punishment. The concept was integral to the sacrificial system, where iniquity required ritual atonement to maintain holiness before God.

חַטָּאת (chaṭṭāʼth, H2403) — focuses on missing the mark or the sin offering itself; פֶּשַׁע (peshaʻ, H6588) — emphasizes rebellion or transgression against authority; רָשָׁע (rāshāʻ, H7563) — denotes wickedness or the state of being guilty.

Word Details

Scripture References