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עַוָּה (iv.vah)

iv.vah

Ivvah

H5755 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The noun Ivvah refers to a specific city conquered by the Assyrians, with its name meaning "ruin." It appears in only four verses of Scripture, primarily in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah. The lexicon data identifies it as a proper place name, linking it directly to the historical displacement of peoples during the Assyrian campaigns.

This location is significant for understanding the demographic shifts recorded in the Old Testament. The people from Ivvah were among those resettled by the Assyrian king in Samaria, where they intermarried with the remaining Israelites and formed the group known as the Samaritans. The name itself serves as a permanent marker of destruction, reflecting the city’s fate under imperial military force rather than any theological attribute.

Translators typically render this word simply as "Ivvah" or "Ava," preserving the proper noun without attempting to translate the meaning into the narrative flow. Its brevity in Scripture highlights how specific historical events are woven into the broader biblical account of exile and return, anchoring theological themes in real geographic locations.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ivvah appears in a brief list of conquered cities, serving as a historical marker for the Assyrian campaigns that reshaped the ancient Near East. Its meaning, 'ruin,' reflects the devastation faced by its inhabitants and the broader region. This word anchors the biblical narrative in real geography, reminding us that God’s plans unfold within human history and political upheaval.

For believers today, Ivvah highlights the reality of displacement and the resilience of faith amid change. The people from this city were resettled in Samaria, becoming part of a new community with complex origins. This history shows how God works through nations and migrations, even when they bring hardship. It invites us to trust in His sovereignty over all lands and peoples.

While Ivvah itself is not a place we visit today, its story connects to the larger theme of exile and return found throughout Scripture. It reminds us that no matter how scattered or broken circumstances seem, God remains present and active. This historical detail encourages faith in His enduring care for all who seek Him.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Ivvah3×
  • and/ from/ Avva1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וְ/עִוָּֽה\׃2×
  • וּ/מֵ/עַוָּ֤א1×
  • וְ/עִוָּ֑ה1×

Key Verses

  • II Kings 17:24
    The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, from Cuthah, from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they possessed Samaria and lived in its cities.

    This verse records the resettlement of people from Ivvah in Samaria, showing how Assyrian policy created new ethnic groups.

  • II Kings 18:34
    Where are the gods of Hamath and of Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?

    The Assyrian official mocks the gods of Ivvah to challenge Judah's trust in Yahweh during the siege of Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 37:13
    Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’”

    Isaiah records the same taunt, emphasizing that no foreign god could save their cities from Assyria's power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ivvah mean?

The name Ivvah (or Avva) is generally understood to mean 'ruin' or 'destruction.' It refers to a specific city conquered by the Assyrians, and its name serves as a historical marker of that devastation.

Why is Ivvah mentioned in the Bible?

Ivvah appears in lists of cities whose people were relocated by the Assyrian king to Samaria. This resettlement policy created the mixed population known as the Samaritans, a group significant in later biblical history.

How does Ivvah relate to the Assyrian conquest?

The city is cited alongside others like Hamath and Arpad to demonstrate the extent of Assyrian power. The Assyrian officials used these names to mock the gods of Judah, claiming their own empire had defeated all other deities.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

II Kings 3 verses
II Kings 17:24

The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, from Cuthah, from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed…

II Kings 18:34

Where are the gods of Hamath and of Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered…

II Kings 19:13

Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’”

Isaiah 1 verse