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H220 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲוֵרָה
Averah
Noun, feminine
Stall, cattle pen

Definition

Averah refers to a stall or enclosure for animals, particularly cattle. The word appears in poetic agricultural contexts describing the housing and care of livestock. Related to concepts of shelter, provision, and the pastoral life central to ancient Israelite culture.

Usage & Theological Significance

In a culture built on pastoral agriculture, the stall for animals was a sign of God's provision and blessing. Proverbs uses the image of an empty cattle stall to contrast a life without labor — the well-provisioned stall reflects the fruit of diligent stewardship, a virtue God honors.

Key Bible Verses

Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
Genesis 33:17 Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock.
Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls.
Isaiah 1:3 The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.
Luke 2:7 She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

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