עֵירֹם (e.rom)
e.rom
naked
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective ‘erom describes a state of being naked or unclothed. It appears in only four verses, primarily within Genesis and Deuteronomy. The word functions as both an adjective describing a person’s condition and, in some contexts, as a noun referring to the state of nakedness itself.
Its usage is stark and direct. In Genesis 2:25, it describes Adam and Eve before the fall, highlighting their innocence and lack of shame. Later, in Deuteronomy 28:48, it appears in a curse, where enemies will strip captives naked as a sign of humiliation and defeat. The word carries no sexual connotation in these specific instances; it simply denotes the physical absence of clothing.
Translators consistently render ‘erom as "naked" or "nakedness." The term’s rarity in Scripture gives each occurrence significant weight, marking pivotal moments of vulnerability, innocence, or judgment. It serves as a concrete marker of human exposure before God and others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for naked appears in just four verses, yet it carries immense weight. In Genesis, it marks the shift from innocent vulnerability to conscious shame. Adam and Eve’s realization of their exposure was not merely about clothing; it was the sudden awareness of broken relationship with God. This raw honesty shows that we cannot hide our true state before Him.
Later, in Deuteronomy, the same term describes a harsh curse of humiliation. Here, nakedness signifies total loss and defeat. It reminds us that human dignity is fragile when separated from divine protection. Yet, even in this stark imagery, God’s justice is clear, and His call to repentance remains open.
For your faith, this word invites you to bring your unmasked self to God. You do not need to sew fig leaves together to cover your flaws. He sees you fully, knows your struggles, and offers grace that covers what shame cannot hide. Come as you are, trusting in His mercy rather than your own covering.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] naked2×
- and/ in/ nakedness1×
- [was] naked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵירֹ֥ם1×
- עֵירֹ֖ם1×
- עֵֽירֻמִּ֖ם1×
- וּ/בְ/עֵירֹ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:7
Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves.
This verse marks the moment innocence turns to shame, showing how sin changes our self-perception from freedom to exposure.
-
Genesis 3:10
The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
Here nakedness is linked directly to fear and hiding, illustrating the natural human response to guilt before a holy God.
-
Deuteronomy 28:48
therefore you will serve your enemies whom Yahweh sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack of all things. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.
This occurrence shifts the meaning from personal shame to national humiliation, showing how disobedience leads to total vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word עֵירֹם (e.rom) mean?
Why is this word significant in Genesis 3?
How is עֵירֹם used in Deuteronomy 28:48?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for…
Genesis 3:10The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
Genesis 3:11God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”