Lexical Summary avvah: Desire, Lust, Craving Original Word: עַוָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance overturn Intensive from avah abbreviated; overthrow -- X overturn. see HEBREW avah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originintens. from avah Definition distortion, ruin NASB Translation ruin (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. עַוָּה noun feminine distortion, ruin; — עַוָּה עַוָּה עַוָּה אֲשִׂימֶנָּה Ezekiel 21:32 (compare √ Pi`el Isaiah 24:1). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The verb עַוָּה (Strong 5754) pictures a violent turning upside-down or twisting out of shape. It is the language of catastrophic reversal—what once stood firm suddenly lies ruined. The word therefore conveys both physical devastation and moral overturning, underscoring the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. Key Verse (Berean Standard Bible) “A ruin, a ruin, I will make it! Indeed, it will not be restored until He comes to whom it rightfully belongs; then I will give it to Him.” Literary and Historical Context Ezekiel 21 announces Babylon’s sword against Jerusalem and her prince, Zedekiah. The triple repetition of עַוָּה (“a ruin, a ruin, a ruin”) intensifies the oracle: monarchy, city, and temple alike will be reduced to rubble. The prophet is writing about 586 BC but looking beyond it. The throne of David will be so thoroughly overturned that no legitimate descendant will rule again in Judah until the advent of the promised King. Prophetic and Theological Themes 1. Total Judgment: The thrice-spoken verb signals irrevocable action. What God overturns no human hand can rebuild. Echoes in the Canon • Lamentations 2:2 mourns that the Lord “has thrown down the strongholds of Daughter Judah,” reflecting the same upheaval. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Preaching: Ezekiel 21:27 supplies a sobering reminder that sin invites complete reversal, yet it simultaneously points to the sure hope in Christ’s rightful rule. Application for Today Followers of Christ live between the divine “overturn” of worldly powers and the final bestowal of the kingdom on the Son of David. Every earthly structure is provisional; allegiance belongs to the One whose right it is. The prophetic force of עַוָּה therefore calls the church to sustained repentance, courageous proclamation, and steady hope in the King who cannot be shaken. Forms and Transliterations עַוָּ֖ה עַוָּ֣ה עַוָּ֥ה עוה ‘aw·wāh ‘awwāh avVahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 21:27 HEB: עַוָּ֥ה עַוָּ֖ה עַוָּ֣ה NAS: A ruin, a ruin, a ruin, KJV: I will overturn, overturn, overturn, INT: A ruin A ruin A ruin Ezekiel 21:27 Ezekiel 21:27 3 Occurrences |
    |