עֵרָבוֹן (a.ra.von)
a.ra.von
pledge
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun aravon denotes a pledge or security given to guarantee an agreement. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the narrative of Genesis 38. In these instances, Judah leaves his signet, cord, and staff with Tamar as a form of collateral to ensure he would provide her with Shelah, his youngest son.
This term highlights the tangible nature of ancient contracts. Unlike modern abstract promises, an aravon was a physical object held by the creditor until the debtor fulfilled their obligation. The word underscores the seriousness of Judah’s initial failure to keep his word and the eventual resolution when he acknowledges Tamar’s righteousness in Genesis 38:26.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Genesis 38, Judah offers his signet, cord, and staff as a pledge to Tamar. These items were not merely jewelry; they carried his identity and authority. By handing them over, he made a tangible promise that could be verified later. This story reminds us that our words carry weight, especially when we make commitments to others.
When Judah eventually retrieves the pledge, he finds Tamar has kept it safe and proves her faithfulness. The objects themselves became witnesses to his broken word and her integrity. We can learn from this that keeping promises is about more than convenience; it is about honoring the trust placed in us by God and neighbor.
May we strive to be people of our word, understanding that every promise reflects our character before God. Let your yes be yes, and let your actions match your words, just as these ancient symbols once did.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ pledge1×
- a pledge1×
- [is] the/ pledge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵרָב֖וֹן1×
- הָֽ/עֵרָבוֹן֮1×
- הָ/עֵרָב֖וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:17
He said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” She said, “Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?”
This verse introduces the concept of a pledge as a necessary guarantee for an immediate transaction.
-
Genesis 38:18
He said, “What pledge will I give you?” She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him.
Here, the specific items are identified as symbols of Judah's personal authority and identity.
-
Genesis 38:20
Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her.
The attempt to retrieve the pledge highlights the failure to fulfill the initial promise promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word aravon mean?
Why did Judah give his signet and staff as a pledge?
How is aravon different from a modern promise?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” She said, “Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?”
Genesis 38:18He said, “What pledge will I give you?” She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” He…
Genesis 38:20Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but…