Lexical Summary arar: To curse Original Word: עַרעָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance destitute From arar; naked, i.e. (figuratively) poor -- destitute. See also arow'er. see HEBREW arar see HEBREW arow'er NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom arar Definition stripped, destitute NASB Translation destitute (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַרְעָר adjective stripped, destitute; — ׳הָע as substantive Psalm 102:18 the prayer of the destitute. — Jeremiah 17:6 see עֲרוֺעֵר. below Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Connotation עַרעָר conveys utter destitution—someone stripped to the core, devoid of resources, protection, or status. In contrast to other Hebrew terms for poverty (דַּל, אֶבְיוֹן, עָנִי) that can denote material lack, social vulnerability, or oppression, עַרעָר underscores complete bareness, a life exposed and helpless. The single canonical use paints a vivid picture of one whose need is so stark that only divine intervention can answer. Canonical Occurrence Psalm 102:17: “He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea”. The psalmist, writing “for the afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his lament before the Lord” (Psalm 102 superscription), employs עַרעָר to intensify the contrast between human frailty and the enduring throne of God (Psalm 102:12). The destitute suffer in the ruins of Zion, yet their cries move the eternal King, revealing His compassionate sovereignty. Theological Themes 1. Divine Compassion: Scripture continually affirms that the Holy One bends toward those without help (Psalm 12:5; Psalm 72:12–14). עַרעָר in Psalm 102 crystallizes this doctrine: God both hears and acts. Intertextual Resonances Though עַרעָר is unique, its idea reverberates through Scripture: Historical and Social Background In ancient Israel, poverty was often a by-product of exile, crop failure, or oppression. No elaborate welfare system existed; survival depended on family networks, gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9–10), and voluntary generosity. A person described as עַרעָר had fallen beyond these safety nets. Psalm 102—traditionally linked to post-exilic distress—captures a nation’s corporate sense of desolation alongside the individual sufferer’s plight. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies God’s answer to the destitute. He, “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9), identifying with humanity’s deepest poverty—sin and death. His cross and resurrection assure the “destitute” of ultimate deliverance, transforming lament into praise (Hebrews 2:11–12). Ministry Implications 1. Advocacy: The Church must echo God’s concern, defending and providing for those stripped of resources (James 1:27). Practical Application for Believers • Cultivate empathy by remembering personal spiritual poverty apart from grace (Matthew 5:3). Related Biblical Imagery • Nakedness (Genesis 3:10; Revelation 3:17) – exposure needing divine covering. Conclusion עַרעָר stands as a testimony that no depth of poverty places a person beyond God’s notice. The lone appearance in Psalm 102 speaks loudly: the Sovereign Lord regards the pleas of those with nothing left, and His response reaches its climax in the saving work of Jesus Christ, who calls His followers to mirror that same compassionate attentiveness today. Forms and Transliterations הָעַרְעָ֑ר הערער hā‘ar‘ār hā·‘ar·‘ār haarArLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 102:17 HEB: אֶל־ תְּפִלַּ֣ת הָעַרְעָ֑ר וְלֹֽא־ בָ֝זָ֗ה NAS: the prayer of the destitute And has not despised KJV: the prayer of the destitute, and not despise INT: about the prayer of the destitute not despised 1 Occurrence |
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