עָרֵב (a.rev)
a.rev
sweet
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The adjective `a.rev` describes something that is sweet or pleasant to the senses. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only twice, yet its usage highlights a specific quality of enjoyment. It is not merely about taste but encompasses a broader sense of agreeableness and delight.
This word is found in Song of Solomon 1:3, where the beloved’s perfume is described as `a.rev`, conveying an intoxicating and delightful fragrance that draws others in. It also appears in Proverbs 16:24, referring to pleasant words that are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. The term captures the sensory and emotional satisfaction derived from these experiences.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence significant. By using `a.rev`, the biblical authors emphasize the tangible joy and comfort found in both physical sensations and relational interactions. This word invites readers to appreciate the simple, profound pleasures that God has woven into creation and human connection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word arav describes a sweetness that pleases the senses, appearing only twice in Scripture. In Song of Solomon 2:14, it characterizes the beloved’s voice as sweet and lovely. This usage highlights how God designed human relationships to bring genuine delight and comfort to one another.
While rare, this term reminds us that simple joys are part of His good creation. Whether through a kind word or a shared moment, these experiences reflect the beauty He intends for our lives. We can appreciate these gifts with gratitude, knowing they point to the deeper joy found in connection and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] sweet2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָרֵ֣ב1×
- עָרֵ֖ב1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 2:14
My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places of the mountainside, let me see your face. Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.
This verse uses arav to describe the beloved's voice as sweet, highlighting the sensory delight and emotional comfort found in intimate human connection.
-
Proverbs 20:17
Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
Here the word describes fraudulent food as initially sweet, serving as a warning that deceptive gains may taste pleasant but lead to bitter consequences.