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עַוָּל (av.val)

av.val

unjust

H5767 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun avval refers to a person who is unjust or perverse, acting in direct opposition to what is right. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes someone whose character is defined by moral crookedness rather than isolated bad deeds. This word carries a heavy weight of ethical failure, pointing to a fundamental distortion of integrity.

Its usage is concentrated in specific prophetic and wisdom contexts, appearing five times across Scripture. The book of Job employs this term when describing the wicked who oppress others without cause, highlighting their rejection of justice. Similarly, Zephaniah uses it to condemn the corrupt leadership in Jerusalem, where officials are described as perverse and unjust in their governance.

The root concept involves a bending or twisting away from the straight path of righteousness. Translators often render avval as "unjust" or "perverse," capturing both the legal unfairness and the moral deviation inherent in the word. It stands in stark contrast to the just ruler, serving as a vivid label for those who exploit power rather than uphold it.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word avval describes a deep-seated moral crookedness, referring to someone whose character is twisted away from what is right. It is not merely about making a mistake or committing an isolated error; it points to a fundamental distortion of integrity. In the biblical text, this term labels those who exploit power and oppress others without cause, acting in direct opposition to justice.

Understanding this word helps us see why God values righteousness so highly. The prophets used it to condemn leaders who failed their people, highlighting that true leadership requires upholding fairness for everyone. When we encounter injustice in our own lives, this term reminds us that God sees the hidden distortions of heart and mind that humans often overlook.

For your faith, this offers a profound comfort. While the unjust may seem powerful or shameless, Scripture assures us that God Himself is righteous and does no wrong. He brings justice to light every morning. You can trust that the Creator of order opposes the chaos of moral crookedness, offering hope to those who suffer under unfair systems.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • like/ an evil-doer1×
  • an unrighteous person1×
  • an evil-doer1×
  • [the] unrighteous1×
  • [belong] to/ an evil-doer1×

Forms in the text

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

  • עַוָּ֑ל2×
  • עַוָּ֖ל1×
  • לְ/עַוָּ֑ל1×
  • כְ/עַוָּֽל\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Job 18:21
    Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of him who doesn’t know God.”

    This verse uses the term to define the ultimate fate of the wicked, contrasting their empty dwellings with the knowledge of God.

  • Zephaniah 3:5
    Yahweh, within her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame.

    Here the word highlights a stark contrast between Yahweh’s perfect morning justice and the shamelessness of unjust leaders.

  • Job 27:7
    “Let my enemy be as the wicked. Let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.

    Job invokes this label for his enemies, associating their perverse nature with rising up against him without cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word avval mean?

Avval (Strong's H5767) translates to 'unjust' or 'perverse.' It describes a person whose character is fundamentally twisted away from righteousness, often involving the exploitation of others and a rejection of fair governance.

How is avval different from other words for sin?

While many Hebrew words describe specific bad deeds, avval focuses on a person's enduring moral character. It implies a deep-seated crookedness or perversity that leads to systemic injustice rather than isolated mistakes.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears five times, primarily in the book of Job and Zephaniah 3:5. These passages use it to describe the wicked who oppress others and the corrupt leaders who lack shame before God.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)

Job 4 verses
Job 18:21

Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of him who doesn’t know God.”

Job 27:7

“Let my enemy be as the wicked. Let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.

Job 29:17

I broke the jaws of the unrighteous and plucked the prey out of his teeth.

Job 31:3

Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity?

Zephaniah 1 verse