עֶרְוָה (er.vah)
er.vah
nakedness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun erwah refers to nakedness, but in Scripture it carries a heavy weight of shame and vulnerability rather than simple physical exposure. It most frequently denotes the pudenda or sexual organs, serving as a metonym for illicit sexual relations. This usage is especially prominent in Leviticus, where phrases like "the nakedness of your father’s wife" function as a legal euphemism for adultery or incest (Leviticus 18:8; 20:11). The term marks boundaries of family integrity and social order.
Beyond sexual ethics, erwah extends to broader concepts of disgrace and defilement. In Deuteronomy 24:1, it describes a "nakedness" or indecency in a woman that justifies divorce, while Isaiah 20:4 uses the phrase "the nakedness of Egypt" to depict national humiliation and defeat (Isaiah 20:4). The word can also refer to literal shame or filthiness, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:15 regarding bodily waste. Its root implies an exposed state that invites dishonor.
Translators often render erwah as "nakedness," but this English word can miss the cultural gravity of the original term. The Hebrew concept ties physical exposure directly to moral and social consequence. When used in prophetic literature, it often symbolizes the stripping away of dignity and protection. The consistent thread is that erwah represents a state of vulnerability that demands respect or results in judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Scripture, this word carries a weight far heavier than simple physical exposure. It points to a state of profound vulnerability and shame, often marking boundaries that protect family integrity and social order. When used in legal texts, it serves as a euphemism for illicit sexual relations, reminding us that our actions have deep consequences for others.
Yet the word also appears in moments of human frailty, such as when Ham saw his father’s nakedness or when priests were commanded to cover their bodies at the altar. These instances highlight how easily dignity can be stripped away. The biblical narrative consistently calls for respect toward those who are exposed or vulnerable, urging us to guard against actions that bring disgrace.
For your faith life, this term invites a posture of humility and care. It reminds us that we are all susceptible to shame and that our relationships require careful stewardship. By honoring the boundaries God set, we protect the dignity of others and reflect His holiness in our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] nakedness of22×
- nakedness/ her9×
- and/ [the] nakedness of3×
- nakedness/ your2×
- nakedness/ their2×
- nakedness2×
- [is] [the] nakedness of2×
- nakedness/ his1×
- [are] own nakedness/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֶרְוַ֥ת17×
- עֶרְוָתָֽ/הּ\׃\ \ס3×
- עֶרְוַ֣ת3×
- עֶרְוָתָ֔/הּ2×
- עֶרְוָתְ/ךָ֖2×
- עֶרְוָ֑ה2×
- עֶרְוַ֨ת2×
- וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת2×
- עֶרְוָתָֽ/ן\׃\ \ס1×
- עֶרְוָתָֽ/הּ\׃1×
- עֶרְוָתָ֜/הּ1×
- עֶרְוָתָ֛/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 9:23
Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn’t see their father’s nakedness.
This verse shows how Shem and Japheth actively covered their father's shame, demonstrating that true respect involves protecting the dignity of those who are vulnerable.
-
Leviticus 18:6
“‘None of you shall approach any close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.
Here the word establishes the foundational boundary against approaching close relatives, framing sexual ethics as a matter of preserving family integrity rather than just personal desire.
-
Leviticus 20:11
“‘The man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon themselves.
This occurrence links the act of uncovering nakedness directly to severe judgment, illustrating how breaches of familial trust were viewed as attacks on the social order itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word 'erwah' mean?
Why is this word used so often in Leviticus?
Does this word only refer to sexual sin?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.
Genesis 9:23Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of…
Genesis 42:9Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the…
Genesis 42:12He said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land!”