Lexical Summary orem: Nakedness, Nudity Original Word: עֹרֶם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance craftiness From aram; a stratagem -- craftiness. see HEBREW aram NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom arom Definition craftiness NASB Translation shrewdness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֹ֫רֶם] noun [masculine] craftiness; — suffix בְּעָרְמָם Job 5:13 (possibly from עָרְמָה Ges§ 91e and others). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 6193 (עֹרֶם, ‘orem) appears only once in the Old Testament, at Job 5:13, where it denotes “craftiness” or “cunning.” The term encapsulates the notion of shrewd, self-serving intelligence that sets itself against divine wisdom. Scripture portrays such craftiness as ultimately self-defeating because the LORD sovereignly overturns human schemes that conflict with His purposes. Biblical Context Eliphaz, seeking to warn Job about the fate of the arrogant, proclaims, “He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning” (Job 5:13). The single occurrence places עֹרֶם within the larger Wisdom Literature dialogue on the limits of human insight. Though Eliphaz’s application is misdirected toward Job, his statement is nevertheless affirmed elsewhere in Scripture (compare 1 Corinthians 3:19, where Paul cites this verse), underlining the biblical principle that God exposes and nullifies self-exalting cleverness. Theological Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Schemes Historical Background and Cultural Setting In the Ancient Near Eastern milieu, sagacity was prized, yet Scripture consistently distinguishes between prudence rooted in covenant faithfulness and manipulation rooted in self-interest. The book of Job reflects this tension: friends espouse a traditional wisdom formula that fails when confronted with Job’s unexplained suffering. Within that discourse, עֹרֶם becomes a cautionary emblem of “wisdom” that trusts technique over truth. Connections with Other Scriptures • Genesis 3:1 describes the serpent as “crafty” (עָרוּם), a cognate noun/adjective family, revealing the longstanding association between deceitful cleverness and rebellion against God. Ministry and Practical Application 1. Discernment in Leadership Summary Though occurring only once, עֹרֶם vividly illustrates the biblical verdict on cunning that seeks to outwit God. Job 5:13 certifies that such craftiness is a snare to its practitioners, while affirming the LORD’s unwavering commitment to uphold righteous wisdom and thwart every deceitful design. Forms and Transliterations בְּעָרְמָ֑ם בערמם bə‘ārəmām bə·‘ā·rə·mām beareMamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 5:13 HEB: לֹכֵ֣ד חֲכָמִ֣ים בְּעָרְמָ֑ם וַעֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים NAS: the wise by their own shrewdness, And the advice KJV: the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel INT: captures the wise shrewdness and the advice of the cunning 1 Occurrence |
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