אָוָה (a.vah)
a.vah
to mark
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb avah appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 16:15, where Moses uses it to describe God’s action toward the rebels. In this context, it means to mark or sign something with a distinctive identifier. The word is rare and does not appear in other forms within Scripture, making its single occurrence particularly significant for understanding divine judgment and distinction.
Lexical sources indicate that avah involves creating a visible mark or sign, often implying separation or identification. In the Hithpael stem, it carries the sense of measuring out or marking oneself apart. Here, Moses denies that he has taken anything from the rebels, asserting that God has not marked them for special favor or ownership in this matter. The act of marking serves to distinguish between those who belong to God and those who oppose His appointed order.
This solitary usage highlights how physical signs can represent spiritual realities. To be marked by God is to be set apart, whether for blessing or for judgment. In Numbers 16, the lack of such a mark becomes evidence that Moses’ authority comes from God alone. The word reminds readers that divine recognition is not based on human ambition but on God’s sovereign choice and clear demarcation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word avah appears in Scripture only once, in Numbers 16:15. Here, Moses uses it to describe how God marks or distinguishes His people from those who oppose Him. It is a word of clear boundaries and divine recognition, showing that true authority comes from God alone, not human ambition.
This rare term reminds us that God knows and identifies His own. Being marked by Him means being set apart for His purposes, whether for blessing or for correction. In our lives, this offers comfort: we are known personally by the Creator, who sets clear lines between truth and error, faithfulness and rebellion.
When we face confusion about leadership or direction, we can trust that God marks those who belong to Him. His distinction is not based on popularity but on His sovereign choice. This assurance invites us to rest in His ownership and follow where He leads.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ you will mark1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הִתְאַוִּיתֶ֥ם1×