6173. arvah
Lexical Summary
arvah: dishonor

Original Word: עַרְוָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `arvah
Pronunciation: ar-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-vaw')
KJV: dishonor
NASB: dishonor
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H6172 (עֶרוָה - nakedness)]

1. nakedness, i.e. (figuratively) impoverishment

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.
2. False loyalty. While professing to shield the king from disgrace, the petitioners actually sought to frustrate God’s redemptive plan for Jerusalem. Their appeal exposes the subtlety of sin: genuine virtues (loyalty, patriotism) can be twisted into instruments of opposition against divine purposes.
3. God’s unthwarted sovereignty. The strategy built on fear of “dishonor” succeeded temporarily (Ezra 4:23-24), yet the narrative arc of Ezra and Nehemiah shows that the Lord’s agenda prevailed. Apparent setbacks served only to magnify His providence and faithfulness.

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).
• Confidence amid delay. Believers facing resistance can rest in the certainty that worldly strategies framed around “shame avoidance” cannot derail God’s covenant plans (Romans 8:31).
• Honor as witness. The concern to avoid dishonor, though misapplied by the Persian officials, reminds Christians that personal integrity reflects on Christ (1 Peter 2:12).

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.
• Encouragement to remain steadfast when unjustly accused, trusting God to vindicate His servants.
• Invitation to see Christ’s redemptive reversal of shame, offering hope to any who feel disgraced or marginalized.

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

Strong's Hebrew 6173
1 Occurrence


wə·‘ar·waṯ — 1 Occ.

6172
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