5758. avayah
Lexical Summary
avayah: Desire, longing

Original Word: עִוְיָא
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `ivya'
Pronunciation: ah-vah-YAH
Phonetic Spelling: (iv-yaw')
KJV: iniquity
NASB: iniquities
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to H5753 (עָוָה - To bend)]

1. perverseness

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).
2. James echoes the same moral logic: “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13).
3. Ultimately the Servant bears “the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), fulfilling the need Daniel highlights. The gospel proclaims that Christ not only forgives but also transforms, equipping believers “to do good, to be rich in good deeds” (1 Timothy 6:18).

Ministry Implications

• Preaching: Confront both personal sins and structural injustices. Genuine repentance will manifest in practical relief for the oppressed.
• Discipleship: Teach believers to see mercy ministries as fruit, not substitutes, for repentance (Matthew 3:8; Titus 3:8).
• Leadership: Those in authority, like Nebuchadnezzar, must steward power humbly, remembering that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:32).
• Prayer: Intercede that modern rulers “break away” from policies that crush the poor, seeking national renewal.

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·ṯāḵ
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 5758
1 Occurrence


wa·‘ă·wā·yā·ṯāḵ — 1 Occ.

5757
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