עָרַב
To braid , i.e. intermix ; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does עָרַב (arab) mean in the Bible?
עָרַב (arab) is a Hebrew word meaning "to braid , i.e. intermix ; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)". to braid, i. The term refers to assuming legal responsibility for another person's debt.
Meaning
Core image of interweaving underlies pledging, trading, and becoming entangled in another's obligation or debt.
to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange) BDB: take on pledge Usage: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake.
Why This Word Matters
The term refers to assuming legal responsibility for another person's debt. Proverbs 11:15
The passage warns against becoming financially responsible for another person's debt. Proverbs 6:1-5
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 10×
Hithpael reflexive or reciprocal — the subject acts on itself or mutually with others 5×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 23 occurrences in the biblical text.