Lexical Summary arvah: dishonor Original Word: עַרְוָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dishonor (Aramaic) corresponding to ervah; nakedness, i.e. (figuratively) impoverishment -- dishonor. see HEBREW ervah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to ervah Definition dishonor NASB Translation dishonor (1). Topical Lexicon Hebrew background and semantic range The term עַרְוָה (Strong’s 6173) belongs to a small cluster of Hebrew words that communicate exposure leading to shame, loss, or hurt. Though cognate terms often describe literal nakedness (for example Genesis 9:22) or moral indecency (Leviticus 18:6-19), this particular form appears once in Scripture and carries the extended sense of disgrace or injury to reputation. Canonical context in Ezra Ezra 4 records a diplomatic letter from Persian officials who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Their complaint hinges on loyalty to the throne: “Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, we have sent and informed the king” (Ezra 4:14). Here עַרְוָה names the shame or detriment that would befall Artaxerxes if Jerusalem regained political strength. The officials portray themselves as guardians of imperial honor, masking self-interest beneath a veneer of concern for royal welfare. Theological and moral themes 1. Honor versus shame. Scripture repeatedly presents honor as a communal asset to be zealously protected (Proverbs 14:34). The single use of עַרְוָה in Ezra 4:14 underlines how threats to a ruler’s moral or political standing were treated with grave seriousness in the ancient Near East. Historical setting and audience impact In Persian society, one’s “dishonor” could lead to administrative censure or worse, supplying the opposition letter with persuasive force. Jewish readers, however, would discern a deeper irony: those eager to avert royal shame stood guilty of opposing the King of kings, whose honor ultimately governs history. Implications for worship and discipleship • Integrity of motive. Ministry workers may invoke noble causes, yet Ezra 4 warns that motives require continual testing before God (Psalm 139:23-24). Christological considerations Jesus Christ embraced ultimate “dishonor” on the cross (Hebrews 12:2), turning shame into glory and unveiling the vanity of schemes like those in Ezra 4. The faithful need not manipulate appearances; their vindication rests in the risen Lord who transforms disgrace into eternal honor. Homiletical and pastoral applications • Caution against using pious language to mask self-interest. The solitary occurrence of עַרְוָה invites reflection far beyond its brief mention. It underscores the biblical conviction that true honor flows from alignment with God’s purposes, and all human schemes to safeguard reputation apart from Him will ultimately falter. Forms and Transliterations וְעַרְוַ֣ת וערות vearVat wə‘arwaṯ wə·‘ar·waṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:14 HEB: הֵֽיכְלָא֙ מְלַ֔חְנָא וְעַרְוַ֣ת מַלְכָּ֔א לָ֥א NAS: the king's dishonor, therefore KJV: the king's dishonour, therefore INT: of the palace the service dishonor the king's not 1 Occurrence |
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