עָוַל (a.val)
a.val
to act unjustly
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.val describes the act of behaving unjustly or wrongfully. It conveys a sense of deviation from what is right, suggesting a moral twist or bending away from the straight path of justice. This word captures not just a mistake, but an active departure from integrity.
It appears in only two verses in the Hebrew Bible, both found in the Psalms (Psalm 10:3 and Psalm 94:20). In these contexts, it highlights the arrogance of those who pervert justice for their own gain. The sources note a Piel form that emphasizes this wrongful action, reinforcing the idea that injustice is often a deliberate choice rather than an accidental error.
The root connection to "crookedness" or "twisting" gives the word a vivid image. It suggests that unjust behavior distorts reality and fairness. By limiting its usage to these specific psalms, the text underscores the seriousness of such actions when they occur within the community of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word avul paints a vivid picture of moral distortion. It describes someone who actively twists what is right to suit their own desires. This is not a simple mistake or an accidental slip; it is a deliberate bending away from integrity. When we see this in Scripture, it reminds us that justice requires more than just following rules—it demands a heart aligned with God’s truth.
In our daily lives, we might face situations where fairness seems compromised. Perhaps someone close to you is acting selfishly, or you feel pressured to cut corners. This word invites honesty about the seriousness of such choices. It encourages us to reject the allure of easy gain that comes at the cost of integrity. Instead, we are called to uphold what is straight and true, trusting that God sees the hidden motives behind our actions.
Ultimately, this teaching points us toward reliance on divine justice. When human systems fail or people act unjustly, we can find comfort in knowing that God does not overlook these distortions. He calls us to live with transparency and kindness, reflecting His character even when others do not. This offers a steady hope: our worth is not defined by the unfairness around us, but by our commitment to walk in light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he acts unjustly1×
- [the] wrongdoer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְעַוֵּ֣ל1×
- יְעַוֵּ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 71:4
Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
This verse highlights the plea for rescue from those who embody this unjust character, showing how the community seeks protection from moral distortion.
-
Isaiah 26:10
Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh’s majesty.
Here the word describes a stubborn refusal to learn righteousness despite clear opportunities, illustrating the hardness of heart that leads to wrongful dealing.