עֲוִית (a.vit)
a.vit
Avith
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Avith refers to a specific location in ancient Edom. Its meaning is translated as "ruins," indicating that the site was likely characterized by broken structures or desolation even in biblical times. This etymology provides a stark backdrop for the narrative associated with it.
Avith appears only twice in Scripture, both within genealogical records of Genesis 36 and I Chronicles 1. In these passages, it is identified as the city belonging to Hadad ben-Bedad, one of the early kings of Edom. The brevity of its mention serves primarily to anchor the royal lineage of Edom in a tangible place.
By naming this city "ruins," the text subtly underscores the transient nature of earthly power. Even a king’s seat can become a ruin, a detail that adds historical texture to the list of Edomite rulers without requiring further elaboration on its political or military significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Avith appears only twice in Scripture, listed as the city of Hadad, an early king of Edom. The name itself translates to "ruins," a detail that adds a quiet layer of meaning to these genealogical records. Even a royal seat can become broken stone and empty space.
This brief mention reminds us that earthly power is temporary. Kings rise and fall, cities are built and abandoned, but God’s purposes endure beyond the lifespan of any empire. When we read about Hadad’s reign ending in ruins, it offers perspective on our own struggles with pride or fear of loss.
Instead of finding security in lasting monuments or human authority, we look to the One who remains unchanged. His kingdom does not crumble like ancient Edom. This word invites us to rest in the stability of God’s eternal reign rather than the shifting foundations of this world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] Avith2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲוִֽית\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:35
Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith.
This verse identifies Avith as Hadad's city, linking the name meaning "ruins" to a specific ruler who once held significant power.
-
I Chronicles 1:46
Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith.
The parallel account in Chronicles reinforces the historical reality of this location while echoing the theme of transient earthly authority.