עָרַל (a.rel)
a.rel
be uncircumcised
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `aral` literally means to be uncircumcised, but its usage in Scripture often extends into metaphorical territory. In Leviticus 19:23, it appears in a unique agricultural command where the fruit of a newly planted tree is considered "uncircumcised" for the first three years. Here, the word describes something that remains unharvested or untouched, highlighting a period of restriction before the produce can be eaten.
Beyond this specific legal context, the term carries a strong sense of exclusion or mockery. When used in the Niphal stem, as seen in Habakkuk 2:15, it describes someone being treated as an outsider or object of shame. The root idea connects the physical state of having foreskin with social or spiritual alienation, marking a person as outside the covenant community.
This word underscores the boundary between the sacred and the common. By labeling fruit or people as `aral`, the text emphasizes that certain things must be set apart or treated differently before they can participate fully in communal life. The imagery links physical identity with spiritual status, showing how bodily signs reflected deeper relational realities in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aral literally means to be uncircumcised, but its meaning stretches far beyond physical anatomy. In Leviticus 19:23, it describes the fruit of a new tree as "uncircumcised" for three years. This metaphor teaches that some things must wait before they are ready to bear good fruit. It reminds us that growth often requires a season of restraint and patience.
When applied to people, as seen in Habakkuk 2:16, the term marks exclusion or shame. It highlights the deep connection between physical identity and spiritual standing in ancient Israel. For believers today, this word underscores the importance of being set apart for God’s purposes. It invites us to consider how our lives reflect a heart that is open to divine grace rather than closed off by pride.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ you will regard as uncircumcised1×
- and/ be counted as uncircumcised1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/עֲרַלְתֶּ֥ם1×
- וְ/הֵֽעָרֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
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Leviticus 19:23
“‘When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. For three years it shall be forbidden to you. It shall not be eaten.
This verse uses the word metaphorically for fruit, showing that new beginnings often require a period of waiting before they can be fully enjoyed.
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Habakkuk 2:16
You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh’s right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.
Here the term describes shame and exposure, illustrating how being outside God's covenant leads to disgrace rather than honor.