Original Word: עֲרֻבָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `arubbah
Pronunciation: ah-roo-BAH
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-oob-baw')
Definition: something given as security, a token, a bondsman
Meaning: The term עֲרֻבָּה refers to something given as security, a token, or a bondsman. It is used in contexts where a pledge or guarantee is required, often in financial or relational agreements.

Word Origin: Derived from the root עָרַב (arab), which means to pledge or exchange.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The concept of a pledge or security in the New Testament is often expressed with the Greek word ἀρραβών (arrabōn), Strong's Greek Number 728, which refers to an earnest or a down payment, guaranteeing the fulfillment of a larger promise. This term is used in passages such as 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14, where it describes the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the believer's inheritance.

Usage: The word is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a pledge or security given in a transaction. It appears in contexts where a guarantee is needed to ensure the fulfillment of an obligation or promise.

Context: • The concept of עֲרֻבָּה is rooted in ancient Near Eastern practices where pledges or securities were common in trade and personal agreements. In the biblical context, it often involves a tangible item or a person given as a guarantee for the fulfillment of a promise or debt.
• In Genesis 38:17-18, Judah gives his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge (עֲרֻבָּה) to Tamar, highlighting the practice of providing personal items as security.
• The term also appears in Proverbs 17:18, where it is used metaphorically to describe the foolishness of becoming surety for a neighbor without understanding the potential consequences: "A man lacking judgment shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor."
• The use of עֲרֻבָּה underscores the importance of trust and responsibility in relationships and transactions, reflecting a broader biblical theme of integrity and accountability.

Word Origin
from the same as ereb
Definition
a thing exchanged, pledge, token
NASB Translation
guarantor (1), news (1).

עֲרֻבָּה noun feminine thing exchanged, pledge, token; — suffix עֲרֻבָּתָם 1 Samuel 17:18 = a token from them, i.e. response, token of welfare, Th Dr and others; absolute as accusative of congnate meaning with verb ׳עָרַב ע Proverbs 17:18 give a pledge.

pledge, surety

Feminine passive participle of Anammelek in the sense of a bargain or exchange; something given as security, i.e. (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman -- pledge, surety.

see HEBREW Anammelek

עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה עֲרֻבָּתָ֖ם ערבה ערבתם ‘ă·rub·bā·ṯām ‘ă·rub·bāh ‘ărubbāh ‘ărubbāṯām arubBah arubbaTamInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts