a.vah describes wrongdoing framed as acting perversely or distorting what is right, often in confessions of sin.

The attested uses describe wrongful or perverse action: most often speakers confess it alongside sin and wicked conduct, while other clauses apply it to a person's wrongdoing, a woman's described character, or conduct against a king and his people.

1. Wrongful or perverse action · dominant

   In 1 Kings 8:47 and 2 Chronicles 6:37, a Hiphil perfect first common plural form occurs in the captives' plea after they turn back, with the APB rendering their confession as having “sinned” and “perverted.” Psalm 106:6 and Daniel 9:5 likewise place plural perfect forms in confessions alongside sin, wickedness, and rebellion; Esther 1:16 applies a Qal perfect feminine singular form to Vashti's offense against the king, princes, and peoples, where the APB renders the clause “has Queen Vashti done wrong.”

   1 Kings 8:472 Chronicles 6:37Psalm 106:6Daniel 9:5Esther 1:162 Samuel 24:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the relevant clauses with varied wording, including “perverted,” “acted perversely,” and “done wrong.” These renderings confirm the verses' portrayal of wrongdoing without fixing a separate English equivalent in every occurrence.