עָרַב (a.rev)
a.rev
to please
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `arab` conveys the idea of something being sweet or pleasant. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily within the wisdom literature of Proverbs and the poetic books of Psalms and Jeremiah. The word describes a quality that brings delight or satisfaction, often referring to the agreeable nature of speech, food, or divine instruction.
In Proverbs 16:24, for instance, pleasant words are described as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. This usage highlights how `arab` captures more than just physical taste; it encompasses emotional and spiritual satisfaction. When Jeremiah speaks of God’s words being found and eaten, they are described with this same sense of sweetness (Jeremiah 15:16), suggesting that divine truth is not burdensome but deeply satisfying to the believer.
The root likely relates to the concept of mixing or blending, which may explain its association with pleasantness—something well-composed or harmonious. Translators typically render it as "sweet" or "pleasant," reflecting its consistent use to denote something that brings joy rather than displeasure. This word reminds readers that God’s ways and words are designed to be delightful, not harsh or alienating.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word arab describes a deep, satisfying sweetness that goes beyond simple taste. It speaks to what brings true delight to the soul and peace to the spirit. When Scripture uses this term, it points toward experiences that nourish us from within, offering comfort rather than burden.
In Proverbs 13:19, we see how fulfilled longing becomes sweet to the soul. This suggests that God’s design includes moments of genuine satisfaction for those who seek Him. Similarly, in Jeremiah 15:16, finding God’s words is described with this same sense of inner joy, showing that divine truth can be a source of profound comfort.
Even our sleep and rest are included in this picture of sweetness. Proverbs 3:24 promises a restful night for those who walk wisely, free from fear. This word reminds us that God’s ways are not meant to be harsh or alienating but are designed to bring peace and joy to our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it will be pleasing2×
- they will be pleasing1×
- they are pleasing1×
- may it be pleasing1×
- it was pleasing1×
- <it> is pleasing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֶּעֱרַ֣ב1×
- עָ֥רְבוּ1×
- עָ֥רְבָה1×
- יֶעֱרַ֣ב1×
- יֶֽעֶרְבוּ\־1×
- וְֽ/עָרְבָ֥ה1×
- וְ/עָֽרְבָה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 13:19
Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
This verse highlights how the fulfillment of deep desires brings a specific kind of soul-deep sweetness that contrasts sharply with the rejection of evil.
-
Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
The term here connects moral integrity with physical rest, showing that a clear conscience leads to sleep that is deeply refreshing and free from anxiety.
-
Psalms 104:34
Let my meditation be sweet to him. I will rejoice in Yahweh.
David prays that his own meditation might be sweet to God, indicating that our thoughtful reflection on His works is a form of worship that pleases Him.