The meaning of “אָרַר”
Understanding ʼârar reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] bitterly curse. - to execrate 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curse...
אָרַר
[idiom] bitterly curse. - to execrate 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 9:25 | “And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.” Word: אָרַר (ʼârar) | |
| Numbers 5:27 | “And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.” Word: אָרַר (ʼârar) | |
| Joshua 9:23 | “Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.” Word: אָרַר (ʼârar) | |
| 1 Samuel 14:28 | “Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.” Word: אָרַר (ʼârar) | |
| Job 3:8 | “Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.” Word: אָרַר (ʼârar) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Curse
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Curse, to curse
The Hebrew qelalah (קְלָלָה) means curse—the opposite of blessing. Disobedience brings curse (Deuteronomy 28:15), but God promised through Abraham's seed 'shall all families of the earth be blessed' (Genesis 12:3).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Curse
The Greek katara (κατάρα) denotes a curse. 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us' (Galatians 3:13), bearing the penalty we deserved.