Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: The term "Aven" appears in the Bible and is often associated with idolatry and wickedness. The word itself is derived from the Hebrew word "אָוֶן" (aven), which means "vanity," "iniquity," or "trouble." In the biblical context, Aven is used to denote places or practices that are contrary to the worship of the one true God. Biblical References: 1. Beth-aven: Beth-aven is mentioned in the context of idolatry and false worship. It is a derogatory name for Bethel, a place that became a center for idol worship in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In Hosea 4:15, the prophet warns, "Though you, Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty. Do not go to Gilgal; do not go up to Beth-aven. And do not swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’" . Here, Beth-aven symbolizes the spiritual adultery of Israel, turning away from God to worship idols. 2. Valley of Aven: The Valley of Aven is mentioned in Amos 1:5, where the prophet declares God's judgment on Damascus: "I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter from Beth-eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir," says the LORD. . The Valley of Aven is likely a reference to a region associated with idolatrous practices, emphasizing the impending judgment on those who oppose God's will. 3. On (Aven) in Egypt: In Ezekiel 30:17, the prophet speaks of the downfall of Egyptian cities: "The young men of On and Pi-beseth will fall by the sword, and those cities will go into captivity." . The city of On, also known as Heliopolis, is referred to as Aven in some translations, highlighting its association with pagan worship and the judgment that follows. Theological Significance: Aven, in its various forms, serves as a symbol of idolatry and the futility of worshiping anything other than the God of Israel. The use of the term underscores the biblical theme of the consequences of turning away from God to pursue false gods and empty practices. It serves as a warning to the faithful to remain true to the covenant with God and avoid the spiritual pitfalls of idolatry. Historical and Cultural Context: The places associated with Aven were often centers of political and religious significance in the ancient Near East. Bethel, for instance, was a major religious site in the Northern Kingdom, and its association with Aven reflects the syncretism and apostasy that plagued Israel. Similarly, the Valley of Aven and On in Egypt were regions known for their pagan worship, which stood in stark contrast to the worship of Yahweh. Application for Believers: The references to Aven in the Bible serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. Believers are called to reject idolatry in all its forms, whether it be the worship of physical idols or the elevation of worldly pursuits above God. The warnings associated with Aven encourage Christians to examine their own lives for anything that might take the place of God and to remain steadfast in their devotion to Him. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Aveniniquity; force; riches; sorrow Smith's Bible Dictionary Aven(nothingness).
ATS Bible Dictionary AvenSee HELIOPOLIS. Easton's Bible Dictionary Nothingness; vanity. (1.) Hosea speaks of the "high places of Aven" (10:8), by which he means Bethel. He also calls it Beth-aven, i.e., "the house of vanity" (4:15), on account of the golden calves Jeroboam had set up there (1 Kings 12:28). (2.) Translated by the LXX. "On" in Ezek. 30:17. The Egyptian Heliopolis or city of On (q.v.). (3.) In Amos 1:5 it denotes the Syrian Heliopolis, the modern Baalbec. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVENa'-ven 'awen "emptiness," "vanity": Used in Ezekiel 30:17 for On or Heliopolis, in Egypt. See ON. As a term of contempt Hosea calls Beth-el "Beth-aven" (4:15; 10:5). So Amos speaks of some valley near Damascus as "the valley of Aven" (that is, of the idol, 1:5), in which Baalbek (Heliopolis) was situated. The word is rendered "idol" in Isaiah 66:3. Strong's Hebrew 206. Aven -- "wickedness," a contemptuous synonym for two places... 205, 206. Aven. 207 . "wickedness," a contemptuous synonym for two places. Transliteration: Aven Phonetic Spelling: (aw'-ven) Short Definition: Aven. ... /hebrew/206.htm - 6k 1007. Beyth 'Aven -- between 1007b. Beth Aven -- "house of iniquity," a place in Benjamin 205. aven -- trouble, sorrow, wickedness 1126. Ben-oni -- "son of my sorrow," Rachel's name for Benjamin 202. on -- vigor, wealth 8383. teun -- toil Library Beth-El. Beth-Aven. 'Fruit which is Death' From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Chapters and Cloisters. Birth and Ancestry Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat The Assyrian Captivity Of Orders. Concerning the Sacrament of Penance Thesaurus Aven (10 Occurrences)... Nothingness; vanity. (1.) Hosea speaks of the "high places of Aven" (10:8), by which he means Bethel. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AVEN. ... /a/aven.htm - 11k Bikath-aven (1 Occurrence) Beth-aven (6 Occurrences) Bikat-aven (1 Occurrence) Beth-a'ven (6 Occurrences) Bethaven (6 Occurrences) On (40792 Occurrences) Pi-beseth (1 Occurrence) Pibeseth (1 Occurrence) Bikathaven Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Aven (10 Occurrences)Joshua 7:2 Joshua 18:12 1 Samuel 13:5 1 Samuel 14:23 Ezekiel 30:17 Hosea 4:15 Hosea 5:8 Hosea 10:5 Hosea 10:8 Amos 1:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |