Original Word: עָרְמָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `ormah
Pronunciation: ohr-MAH
Phonetic Spelling: (or-maw')
KJV: guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom
NASB: prudence, craftily
Word Origin: [feminine of H6193 (עוֹרֶם - shrewdness)]

1. trickery
2. or (in a good sense) discretion

guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom

Feminine of orem; trickery; or (in a good sense) discretion -- guile, prudence, subtilty, wilily, wisdom.

see HEBREW orem

Word Origin
from arom
Definition
craftiness, prudence
NASB Translation
craftily (2), prudence (3).

עָרְמָה noun feminine craftiness, prudence; —

1 ׳בְע craftily Exodus 21:14 (E), Joshua 9:4 (JE).

2 ׳ע in Proverbs, in good sense, prudence Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 8:5,12.

Semantic Overview

עָרְמָה combines the ideas of mental quickness, strategic foresight, and the capacity to conceal motives. Scripture presents the term along a moral spectrum that ranges from godly prudence to ungodly scheming, the surrounding context revealing whether the quality is virtuous or blameworthy.

Contrasting Uses in Narrative Texts

1. Exodus 21:14 exposes עָרְמָה as murderous premeditation: “But if a man schemes against another to kill him by treachery, you are to take him from My altar, that he may die.” Here the word identifies a deliberate, calculated violation of God’s sixth commandment, underscoring that concealed intent does not escape divine justice.
2. Joshua 9:4 highlights communal deception: the Gibeonites “acted deceptively” to secure a treaty. The text is a sober reminder that Israel’s leaders must inquire of the Lord rather than trust appearances (Joshua 9:14). The incident illustrates how עָרְמָה, when divorced from covenant loyalty, undermines the people of God.

Wisdom Literature: Prudence as a Companion of Wisdom

Proverbs shifts the term into a positive key. Wisdom “dwells together with prudence” (Proverbs 8:12), offering the inexperienced the tools to navigate life faithfully. The contrast with folly is explicit:

• Proverbs 1:4 – Wisdom’s purpose is “to impart prudence to the simple.”
• Proverbs 8:5 – “Learn to be shrewd, O simple ones; develop discernment, O fools.”

The same capacity for strategic thinking that in Exodus and Joshua furthered sin is, under the fear of the Lord, redirected toward skillful living, planning, and protection from evil.

Theological Observations

• Moral Orientation: Scripture does not treat mental agility as neutral; its worth is measured by alignment with God’s revealed will.
• Divine Omniscience: Exodus 21:14 shows that hidden motives stand open before God.
• Covenant Integrity: Joshua 9 portrays the peril of relying on human perception alone; leaders must seek divine guidance to avoid being manipulated by unrighteous cunning.
• Wisdom’s Invitation: Proverbs personifies prudence as a housemate of Wisdom, establishing that strategic thinking is essential to righteous living when surrendered to the Lord.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Ancient Near Eastern societies prized clever diplomacy and stratagem in warfare. Israel’s Scriptures, however, place such abilities under ethical scrutiny. The law courts exposed covert homicide; covenant narratives condemned deceitful treaties; wisdom circles commended prudence harnessed for justice and righteousness.

Ministry and Discipleship Applications

• Discernment Training: Congregations should cultivate biblically informed shrewdness, equipping believers to recognize and resist manipulative influences, whether cultural, ideological, or personal.
• Leadership Accountability: Elders and ministry leaders must guard against pragmatic shortcuts that compromise truth, remembering Joshua’s oversight.
• Pastoral Counseling: Help believers distinguish between godly planning (Luke 14:28-30) and faithless scheming (James 4:13-16).
• Evangelism Strategy: Paul modeled righteous עָרְמָה, becoming “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22) without deceit, demonstrating how sanctified ingenuity advances the gospel.

Homiletical and Teaching Considerations

• Contrast Exodus 21:14 with Proverbs 1:4 to show the heart’s role in directing intellectual gifts.
• Use Joshua 9 as a case study on decision-making without prayer.
• Highlight Proverbs 8:12 to encourage believers that wisdom equips, not disables, strategic thinking.
• Connect to Matthew 10:16, where Jesus calls His disciples to be “as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves,” a balanced New Testament echo of the Old Testament theme.

Key Cross-References

Genesis 3:1; Matthew 10:16; 1 Corinthians 9:22; 2 Corinthians 4:2; James 3:13-18.

Adopted into the life of faith, עָרְמָה becomes sanctified prudence, a gift to navigate a fallen world with integrity, courage, and effectiveness for the glory of God.

בְּעָרְמָ֔ה בְעָרְמָ֑ה בערמה עָרְמָ֑ה ערמה ‘ā·rə·māh ‘ārəmāh areMah bə‘ārəmāh ḇə‘ārəmāh bə·‘ā·rə·māh ḇə·‘ā·rə·māh beareMah veareMahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts