The meaning of “עָוֺן”
Understanding ʻâvôn reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or עָווֹן ʻâvôwn (aw-vone'); (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (אֲבַד)), from עָוָה fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of ini...
עָוֺן
or עָווֹן ʻâvôwn (aw-vone'); (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (אֲבַד)), from עָוָה fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. - perversity, i.e. (moral) evil 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 19:15 | “And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.” Word: עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) | |
| Joshua 22:20 | “Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.” Word: עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) | |
| 1 Chronicles 21:8 | “And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” Word: עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) | |
| Proverbs 16:6 | “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” Word: עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) | |
| Daniel 9:16 | “O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.” Word: עָוֺן (ʻâvôn) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Iniquity
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Iniquity, guilt, punishment
The Hebrew avon (עָוֹן) encompasses iniquity, guilt, and its punishment—the twisted nature of sin. 'The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all' (Isaiah 53:6), Christ bearing our guilt and penalty.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Lawlessness, iniquity
The Greek anomia (ἀνομία) means lawlessness—disregard for God's law. 'Sin is the transgression of the law' (1 John 3:4). Christ 'gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity' (Titus 2:14).