What does עָרַם mean in the Bible?
עָרַם is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to be (or make ) bare ; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)".
Hebrew · H6191
עָרַם
Properly, to be (or make ) bare ; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
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עָרַםH6191
What does עָרַם mean in the Bible?
עָרַם is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to be (or make ) bare ; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)".
Full entry for עָרַם (H6191) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H6191?
The BSB source-word alignment has 6 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include . . . (1), in their craftiness (1), is extremely cunning (1), is prudent (1), will beware (1).
Where does עָרַם appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at 1 Samuel 23:22. Its strongest book concentrations include 1 Samuel (2), Proverbs (2), Job (1), Psalms (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It. . .1×1 Samuel 23:22
in their craftiness1×Job 5:13
is extremely cunning1×1 Samuel 23:22
is prudent1×Proverbs 15:5
will beware1×Proverbs 19:25
With cunning1×Psalms 83:3
Show sample aligned rows
1 Samuel 23:22עָר֥וֹםtois extremely cunningVerb - Qal - Infinitive absolute1 Samuel 23:22יַעְרִ֖םto. . .Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singularJob 5:13בְּעָרְמָ֑םtoin their craftinessPreposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine pluralPsalms 83:3יַעֲרִ֣ימוּtoWith cunningVerb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine pluralProverbs 15:5יַעְרִֽם׃tois prudentVerb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singularProverbs 19:25יַעְרִ֑םtowill bewareVerb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row1 Samuel 23:22
Aligned rows6
Books represented4
1 Samuel2Job1Psalms1Proverbs2
Source forms
בְּעָרְמָ֑ם1xbə·‘ā·rə·māmJob 5:13
יַעֲרִ֣ימוּ1xya·‘ă·rî·mūPsalms 83:3
יַעְרִ֖ם1xya‘·rim1 Samuel 23:22
יַעְרִ֑ם1xya‘·rimProverbs 19:25
יַעְרִֽם׃1xya‘·rimProverbs 15:5
עָר֥וֹם1x‘ā·rō·wm1 Samuel 23:22
Parsing patterns
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular3x1 Samuel 23:22, Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 19:25
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural1xJob 5:13
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural1xPsalms 83:3
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute1x1 Samuel 23:22
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. properly, to be (or make ) bare ; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
Source Gloss
properly, to be (or make ) bare ; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
properly, to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense) BDB: be shrewd Usage: × very, beware, take crafty (counsel), be prudent, deal subtilly.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups2Aligned forms5
Qalbasic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense4×
Imperfect1Sam 23:22 · Prov 15:5 · Prov 19:253×
Infinitive absolute1Sam 23:221×
Hiphilcausative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action1×
ImperfectPs 83:41×
Word Origins
עָרַם is a primitive root - no further derivation.
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.