Avlah (also spelled awlah) refers to moral wickedness, injustice, or perversity — a deviation from what is right and straight. Appearing about 32 times, it is closely related to avel (unrighteous one) and contrasts sharply with tsedaqah (righteousness/justice). It describes both individual moral corruption and systemic injustice in society.
Avlah is the opposite of God's character and of the covenant life He calls Israel to. God is declared to have no avlah in Him (Deuteronomy 32:4) — He is perfectly just and right. The prophets cry out against avlah in courts, commerce, and worship. One of the most devastating charges against Israel is that avlah was found in their midst (Ezekiel 28:15). Because God is righteous, He cannot overlook wickedness — it must be judged or atoned for. Christ bore our avlah so we could receive His righteousness.