Bible Lexicons

Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old TestamentGirdlestone's OT Synonyms

Iniquity

The word aval (עול ) is thought to designate the want of integrity and rectitude which is the accompaniment, if not the essential part, of wrong-doing. this word in some of its forms reminds one of the word evil (Ger. Uebel), and of the contracted word ill. The chief renderings for it in the LXX are ἀδικία and ἀνομία of which the first is probably the best. Aval is rendered unjust in Psalms 43:1; Psalms 82:2, Proverbs 29:27, Isaiah 26:10, Zephaniah 3:5; unrighteous in Leviticus 19:15; Leviticus 19:35, Deuteronomy 25:16, Job 27:7, Psalms 71:4; Psalms 92:15; ungodly in Job 16:11; perverse in Isaiah 59:3; wicked in twelve passages, including Psalms 89:22, 'The enemy shall not exact up on him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him.'

Aval is also rendered iniquity in about thirty passages; and this word, taken in its original sense, as a departure from that which is equal and right, is probably the most suitable rendering. The usage of the word is well illustrated by Malachi 2:6, where we read of Levi that 'the law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from unrighteousness.'