Lexical Summary avayah: Desire, longing Original Word: עִוְיָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance iniquity (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to avah; perverseness -- iniquity. see HEBREW avah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to avah Definition iniquity NASB Translation iniquities (1). Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence עִוְיָא appears once, in Daniel 4:27: “Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.” Immediate Context Nebuchadnezzar has just heard the divine verdict that his pride will bring him low (Daniel 4:19-26). Daniel’s counsel exposes two fronts of rebellion—“sins” (personal rebellion) and “iniquities” (עִוְיָא, systemic wrongdoing expressed in oppressive rule). The king’s continued dominion is tied to repentance evidenced in active justice and compassion. Theological Nuance While “sin” (חטא) often stresses missing the mark, iniquity connotes perversity or moral crookedness that warps relationships and institutions. In Daniel’s Aramaic, עִוְיָא carries the weight of guilt that demands redress. Scripture consistently distinguishes iniquity as guilt requiring substitutionary atonement (Leviticus 16:22; Isaiah 53:6) or tangible restitution (Numbers 5:5-8). Daniel’s appeal therefore combines moral reformation (“doing what is right”) with social reformation (“showing mercy to the poor”), mirroring the prophetic tradition (Isaiah 58:6-10; Ezekiel 18:12-17). Historical Significance Nebuchadnezzar’s empire thrived on conquest, forced labor, and lavish building projects (cf. Daniel 4:30). Daniel links imperial arrogance and economic oppression, implying that unchecked iniquity invites divine judgment not only on individuals but on administrations (Proverbs 16:12). The stump preserved in the dream signifies that God may defer destruction when leaders repent and protect the vulnerable—a principle echoed later in Nineveh’s reprieve (Jonah 3:6-10). Intercanonical Resonance 1. The call to break off iniquity by mercy anticipates John the Baptist: “Produce fruit worthy of repentance…and share with the one who has none” (Luke 3:8,11). Ministry Implications • Preaching: Confront both personal sins and structural injustices. Genuine repentance will manifest in practical relief for the oppressed. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies the perfect reversal of עִוְיָא. He “knew no sin but became sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21), taking the crookedness into Himself so that His people might receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). In Him the stump becomes a shoot of new creation (Isaiah 11:1), ensuring everlasting prosperity to all who repent and believe. Forms and Transliterations וַעֲוָיָתָ֖ךְ ועויתך vaavayaTach wa‘ăwāyāṯāḵ wa·‘ă·wā·yā·ṯāḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:27 HEB: בְּצִדְקָ֣ה פְרֻ֔ק וַעֲוָיָתָ֖ךְ בְּמִחַ֣ן עֲנָ֑יִן NAS: by [doing] righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy KJV: by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy INT: by righteousness break your iniquities showing to the poor 1 Occurrence |
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