779. arar
Lexical Summary
arar: To curse

Original Word: אָרַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: arar
Pronunciation: ah-RAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-rar')
KJV: X bitterly curse
NASB: cursed, curse, brings a curse, curse is cursed, cursed be those who curse, cursed is everyone who curses, cursed woman
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to execrate

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
bitterly curse

A primitive root; to execrate -- X bitterly curse.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to curse
NASB Translation
brings a curse (6), curse (8), curse is cursed (1), cursed (40), cursed be those who curse (1), cursed is everyone who curses (1), cursed woman (1), utterly curse (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[אָרַר] verb curse (Assyrian arâru ZimBP 68; on relation of meanings bind & curse in Assyrian see DlPr 101) —

Qal Perfect וְאָרוֺתִ֫י, אָרוֺתִיהָ Malachi 2:2; Imperfect2masculine singular תָּאֹר Exodus 22:27; Numbers 22:6,12; אָאֹר Genesis 12:3; Imperative אָ֫רָהֿ Numbers 22:6; Numbers 23:7; אוֺרוּ, אֹרוּ & Infinitive absolute אָרוֺר all Judges 5:23; Participle אֹרֲרֵי Job 3:8; אֹרֲרֶיךָ Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9; אָרוּר Genesis 3:14 36t. etc.; — curse "" בֵּרֵךְ bless, chiefly in poetic & legal sources of J E D & later imitations: Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29 (J) Numbers 22:6,12; Numbers 23:7; Numbers 24:9 (E) Exodus 22:27 (E) Malachi 2:2; אֹרוּ אָרוֺר ישְׁבֶיהָ = curse for ever her inhabitants Judges 5:23; אֹרֲרֵי יוֺם cursers of the day (magicians whose imprecations made days unlucky) Job 3:8. Passive participle אָרוּר, chiefly as exclamation, "" בָּרוּךְ Genesis 3:14,17; Genesis 4:11; Genesis 9:25; Genesis 27:29; Genesis 49:7; Numbers 22:12; Numbers 24:9 (E, poetry) Deuteronomy 27:15-26 Judges 21:18; 1 Samuel 14:24; 1 Samuel 14:28; 1 Samuel 26:29; Jeremiah 11:3; Jeremiah 17:5; Jeremiah 20:14,15; Jeremiah 48:10 (twice in verse); Malachi 1:14; אֲרוּרִים הַשֹּׁגִים מִמִּצְוֺתֶיךָ cursed be those who wander from thy commands Psalm 119:21 (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Jerome De Ri), הָאֲרוּרָה הַזּאֹת this cursed woman 2 Kings 9:34.

Niph`al Participle נֵאָרִים cursed Malachi 3:9.

Pi`el3masculine singular suffix אֵרֲרָהּ curse, lay under a curse Genesis 5:29 (J); Participle הַמַּיִם הַמְאָרֲרִים the curse-bringing waters Numbers 5:18-27 (P 6 t. waters destroying the perjured adulteress drinking them).

Hoph`al Imperfect יוּאָ֑ר be cursed Numbers 22:6 (E).

Topical Lexicon
Root Meaning and Theological Range

The verb אָרַר describes the pronouncement of a binding curse that places the object under divine judgment. Unlike a mere expression of anger, אָרַר invokes the authority of God to exclude the person, place, animal, or object from blessing and to consign it to frustration, futility, and eventual destruction. The opposite concept is ברך (“to bless”); therefore every appearance of אָרַר helps define the larger biblical rhythm of blessing versus curse that frames redemptive history.

Scope of Old Testament Usage

Approximately sixty-three instances span the Law, Prophets, and Writings. The distribution highlights four major settings:

1. Primeval history (Genesis 3–11).
2. Patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12–50).
3. Covenant legislation (especially Deuteronomy 27–29).
4. Prophetic or poetic imprecations (Judges, Psalms, Proverbs, Jeremiah, Malachi).

Foundational Curse in the Primeval Narrative

The first curses shape all subsequent theology of judgment. After the Fall, “Because you have done this, you are cursed above all livestock and every beast of the field” (Genesis 3:14). The serpent is cursed directly; the soil is cursed indirectly for Adam’s sake (Genesis 3:17). The ground’s corruption leads to Cain’s exile: “Now you are cursed and banished from the ground” (Genesis 4:11). These early uses reveal that a curse estranges the created order from its intended fruitfulness.

Covenant Framework: Blessing and Curse

Genesis 12:3 establishes the Abrahamic dichotomy: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.” The covenantal promise guarantees divine retribution against nations or individuals who oppose God’s redemptive plan. Later, Israel’s national covenant is formalized on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (Deuteronomy 27–29), where twelve specific curses are recited upon violations of God’s law, culminating in the sweeping declaration, “Cursed is the one who does not put the words of this law into practice” (Deuteronomy 27:26). These formal maledictions function as legal sanctions in the covenant treaty.

National and Corporate Curses in Israel’s History

1. Conquest: Joshua places Jericho under the curse: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city” (Joshua 6:26). Centuries later the curse is fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34.
2. Judges period: Deborah calls down judgment on Meroz for failing to aid the Lord’s armies, “Curse Meroz,” she said, “curse its inhabitants bitterly” (Judges 5:23).
3. Monarchy: Jonathan warns, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening” (1 Samuel 14:24), illustrating rash leadership that invokes divine penalty even on allies.
4. Post-exilic prophets: Malachi 1:14 and 2:2 warn corrupt priests that the Lord will “curse your blessings” when worship is defiled.

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets frequently use אָרַר to indict covenant infidelity. Jeremiah 17:5 contrasts reliance on human flesh with trust in the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength.” Conversely, Jeremiah 17:7 offers the antithetical blessing. The pattern underscores the moral choice placed before God’s people.

Personal Imprecations and Wisdom Literature

In Job three friends attempt to coax Job into admitting secret sin deserving a curse, while Job himself longs for the day of his birth to be cursed (Job 3:8). Proverbs warns against unjustified maledictions: “Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest” (Proverbs 26:2), guarding against reckless misuse of spiritual authority.

Liturgical and Legal Settings

Curses appear in formal rituals. A striking example is the “water of bitterness” ordeal for suspected adultery (Numbers 5:18-27), where the priest declares, “May the LORD make you a curse among your people.” The public nature of such declarations reinforces communal holiness.

Divine Curse versus Human Curse

Human agents pronounce curses, yet effectiveness hinges on God’s ratification. Balaam learns this when hired by Balak: “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” (Numbers 23:8). The narrative demonstrates that no human spell can override divine sovereignty. Conversely, God Himself directly curses—e.g., the serpent, Cain, and idols (Deuteronomy 27:15).

Christological Fulfillment and Theological Reflections

Deuteronomy 21:23 introduces the climactic curse: “Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ “redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). Thus every Old Testament employment of אָרַר anticipates the cross where the ultimate curse is borne and nullified, opening the way for unmitigated blessing to Abraham’s seed (Galatians 3:14).

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

• Preaching: Calls for repentance should include both promise and warning; the reality of divine curse underscores the urgency of faith and obedience.
• Counseling: Believers troubled by perceived generational curses can be directed to the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work which exhausts covenantal maledictions.
• Corporate Worship: Scripture readings of Deuteronomy 28 or Malachi 3 can illuminate the seriousness of sin and the gracious provision of blessings in Christ.
• Mission: Genesis 12:3 motivates outreach, assuring churches that opposing forces ultimately stand under divine curse, while those who bless the gospel receive blessing.

Selected Key Occurrences

Genesis 3:14; Genesis 3:17; Genesis 4:11; Genesis 9:25; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29; Exodus 22:28 (context: blasphemy); Numbers 5:21; Numbers 22:12; Deuteronomy 27:15-26; Deuteronomy 28:16-68; Joshua 6:26; Judges 5:23; 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 3:8; Jeremiah 17:5; Malachi 2:2.

Forms and Transliterations
א֣וֹרוּ אֲרוּרִ֑ים אֲרוּרִ֣ים אֲרוּרִ֥ים אֲרוּרָ֤ה אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ אָֽרָה־ אָאֹ֑ר אָר֔וּר אָר֕וּר אָר֖וֹר אָר֗וּר אָר֣וּר אָר֤וּר אָר֥וּר אָר֨וּר אָרֽוּר׃ אָרוֹתִ֔יהָ אָרוּר֙ אֹ֥רוּ אֹרְרֵי־ אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אאר אורו ארה־ ארו ארור ארור׃ ארורה ארורים ארותיה אררה אררי־ ארריך הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים הַמְאָֽרֲרִ֑ים הַמְאָֽרֲרִֽים׃ הַמְאָֽרֲרִים֙ הַמְאָרְרִ֤ים הָאֲרוּרָ֤ה הארורה המאררים וְאָר֕וּר וְאָר֣וּר וְאָר֥וּר וְאָרוֹתִ֖י וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ וארור וארותי וארריך יוּאָֽר׃ יואר׃ נֵֽאָרִ֔ים נארים תָּאֹ֖ר תָאֹֽר׃ תָאֹר֙ תאר תאר׃ ’ā’ōr ’ā·’ōr ’ā·rāh- ’ā·rō·w·ṯî·hā ’ā·rō·wr ’ă·rū·rāh ’ă·rū·rîm ’ā·rūr ’ārāh- ’ārōwr ’ārōwṯîhā ’ārūr ’ărūrāh ’ărūrîm ’ê·rə·rāh ’êrərāh ’ō·rə·rê- ’ō·rə·re·ḵā ’ō·rū ’ō·w·rū ’ōrərê- ’ōrəreḵā ’ōrū ’ōwrū aOr arah aRor aroTiha aRur aruRah aruRim ereRah hā’ărūrāh hā·’ă·rū·rāh haaruRah ham’ārărîm ham’ārərîm ham·’ā·ră·rîm ham·’ā·rə·rîm hamAraRim hamareRim nê’ārîm nê·’ā·rîm neaRim orerei oreReicha oru tā’ōr ṯā’ōr tā·’ōr ṯā·’ōr taOr vearoTi veaRur veoreReicha wə’ārōwṯî wə’ārūr wə’ōrəreḵā wə·’ā·rō·w·ṯî wə·’ā·rūr wə·’ō·rə·re·ḵā yū’ār yū·’ār yuAr
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Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 3:14
HEB: עָשִׂ֣יתָ זֹּאת֒ אָר֤וּר אַתָּה֙ מִכָּל־
NAS: this, Cursed are you more than
KJV: hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle,
INT: have done likewise Cursed thou all

Genesis 3:17
HEB: תֹאכַ֖ל מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֲרוּרָ֤ה הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ בַּֽעֲבוּרֶ֔ךָ
NAS: You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground
KJV: Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground
INT: eat at Cursed is the ground because

Genesis 4:11
HEB: וְעַתָּ֖ה אָר֣וּר אָ֑תָּה מִן־
NAS: Now you are cursed from the ground,
KJV: And now [art] thou cursed from the earth,
INT: Now are cursed you from

Genesis 5:29
HEB: הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ יְהוָֽה׃
NAS: which the LORD has cursed.
KJV: which the LORD hath cursed.
INT: the ground which has cursed the LORD

Genesis 9:25
HEB: וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָר֣וּר כְּנָ֑עַן עֶ֥בֶד
NAS: So he said, Cursed be Canaan;
KJV: And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan;
INT: said Cursed be Canaan A servant

Genesis 12:3
HEB: מְבָ֣רְכֶ֔יךָ וּמְקַלֶּלְךָ֖ אָאֹ֑ר וְנִבְרְכ֣וּ בְךָ֔
NAS: you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all
KJV: them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth
INT: bless curses will curse will be blessed all

Genesis 27:29
HEB: בְּנֵ֣י אִמֶּ֑ךָ אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אָר֔וּר וּֽמְבָרֲכֶ֖יךָ
NAS: bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse
KJV: bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth
INT: sons and may your mother's Cursed curse and blessed

Genesis 27:29
HEB: אִמֶּ֑ךָ אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אָר֔וּר וּֽמְבָרֲכֶ֖יךָ בָּרֽוּךְ׃
NAS: to you. Cursed be those who curse you, And blessed
KJV: to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed
INT: and may your mother's Cursed curse and blessed bless

Genesis 49:7
HEB: אָר֤וּר אַפָּם֙ כִּ֣י
NAS: Cursed be their anger,
KJV: Cursed [be] their anger,
INT: Cursed be their anger for

Exodus 22:28
HEB: בְעַמְּךָ֖ לֹ֥א תָאֹֽר׃
NAS: God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
KJV: the gods, nor curse the ruler
INT: of your people nor curse

Numbers 5:18
HEB: מֵ֥י הַמָּרִ֖ים הַמְאָֽרֲרִֽים׃
NAS: of bitterness that brings a curse.
KJV: water that causeth the curse:
INT: is to be the water of bitterness brings

Numbers 5:19
HEB: מִמֵּ֛י הַמָּרִ֥ים הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
NAS: of bitterness that brings a curse;
KJV: water that causeth the curse:
INT: water of bitterness brings to this

Numbers 5:22
HEB: וּ֠בָאוּ הַמַּ֨יִם הַמְאָרְרִ֤ים הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ בְּֽמֵעַ֔יִךְ
NAS: water that brings a curse shall go
KJV: And this water that causeth the curse shall go
INT: shall go water brings and this your stomach

Numbers 5:24
HEB: מֵ֥י הַמָּרִ֖ים הַמְאָֽרֲרִ֑ים וּבָ֥אוּ בָ֛הּ
NAS: of bitterness that brings a curse,
KJV: water that causeth the curse: and the water
INT: the water of bitterness brings will go the water

Numbers 5:24
HEB: בָ֛הּ הַמַּ֥יִם הַֽמְאָרֲרִ֖ים לְמָרִֽים׃
NAS: that brings a curse, so that the water
KJV: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter
INT: will go the water A curse her and bitterness

Numbers 5:27
HEB: בָ֜הּ הַמַּ֤יִם הַמְאָֽרֲרִים֙ לְמָרִ֔ים וְצָבְתָ֣ה
NAS: that the water which brings a curse will go
KJV: that the water that causeth the curse shall enter
INT: will go the water brings her and bitterness will swell

Numbers 22:6
HEB: לְכָה־ נָּ֨א אָֽרָה־ לִּ֜י אֶת־
NAS: come, curse this
KJV: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people;
INT: come please curse people this

Numbers 22:6
HEB: מְבֹרָ֔ךְ וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תָּאֹ֖ר יוּאָֽר׃
NAS: and he whom you curse is cursed.
KJV: [is] blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
INT: is blessed whom curse is cursed

Numbers 22:6
HEB: וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תָּאֹ֖ר יוּאָֽר׃
NAS: and he whom you curse is cursed.
KJV: and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
INT: whom curse is cursed

Numbers 22:12
HEB: עִמָּהֶ֑ם לֹ֤א תָאֹר֙ אֶת־ הָעָ֔ם
NAS: Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people,
KJV: Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people:
INT: with shall not curse the people for

Numbers 23:7
HEB: קֶ֔דֶם לְכָה֙ אָֽרָה־ לִּ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב
NAS: Come curse Jacob
KJV: [saying], Come, curse me Jacob,
INT: of the East Come curse Jacob and come

Numbers 24:9
HEB: מְבָרֲכֶ֣יךָ בָר֔וּךְ וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ אָרֽוּר׃
NAS: is everyone who blesses you, And cursed is everyone who curses
KJV: [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth
INT: Blessed blesses and cursed curses

Numbers 24:9
HEB: בָר֔וּךְ וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ אָרֽוּר׃
NAS: you, And cursed is everyone who curses you.
KJV: thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.
INT: blesses and cursed curses

Deuteronomy 27:15
HEB: אָר֣וּר הָאִ֡ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר
NAS: Cursed is the man who
KJV: Cursed [be] the man that maketh
INT: Cursed is the man who

Deuteronomy 27:16
HEB: אָר֕וּר מַקְלֶ֥ה אָבִ֖יו
NAS: Cursed is he who dishonors his father
KJV: Cursed [be] he that setteth light
INT: Cursed dishonors his father

63 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 779
63 Occurrences


’ā·’ōr — 1 Occ.
’ā·rāh- — 2 Occ.
’ā·rō·wr — 1 Occ.
’ā·rō·w·ṯî·hā — 1 Occ.
’ā·rūr — 31 Occ.
’ă·rū·rāh — 1 Occ.
’ă·rū·rîm — 3 Occ.
’ê·rə·rāh — 1 Occ.
hā·’ă·rū·rāh — 1 Occ.
ham·’ā·ră·rîm — 5 Occ.
ham·’ā·rə·rîm — 1 Occ.
nê·’ā·rîm — 1 Occ.
’ō·rə·rê- — 1 Occ.
’ō·rə·re·ḵā — 1 Occ.
’ō·w·rū — 2 Occ.
ṯā·’ōr — 3 Occ.
wə·’ā·rō·w·ṯî — 1 Occ.
wə·’ā·rūr — 4 Occ.
wə·’ō·rə·re·ḵā — 1 Occ.
yū·’ār — 1 Occ.

778
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