by reduplication from יָהַב; gift (in sacrifice), i.e. holocaust; offering.
Transliteration:habhâb
Pronunciation:hab-hawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1890}}` (הַבְהָב, habhâb) is a unique and infrequent lexical item in the Hebrew Bible. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H3051}}` (יָהַב, yahab), meaning "to give." The reduplication of the root, forming habhâb, serves to intensify or particularize the meaning of "giving." In this specific context, the intensification points to a "gift" that is given wholly and completely, specifically in the context of sacrifice. The primary semantic range for `{{H1890}}` is thus narrowed to "a whole burnt offering" or "holocaust," emphasizing the complete consumption of the offering on the altar as a gift to God. It describes a sacrifice that is entirely devoted and consumed, leaving nothing for human consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1890}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in [[Deuteronomy 33:10]]. This singular occurrence is within Moses' final blessing upon the tribes of Israel, specifically concerning the tribe of Levi. The verse reads: "They shall teach Jacob Your judgments, And Israel Your law. They shall put incense before You, And whole burnt offerings (וְכָלִיל הַבְהָב) on Your altar."
In this context, `{{H1890}}` is paired with the word כָּלִיל (kalil), which itself means "whole, complete, entire." This pairing, "kalil habhâb," emphatically underscores the nature of the offering as a "complete whole burnt offering." The passage highlights the dual role of the Levitical priesthood: to instruct Israel in God's law and to mediate worship through sacrifice. The mention of "whole burnt offerings" (habhâb) on God's altar underscores the Levites' exclusive privilege and duty to facilitate the most profound acts of worship and atonement, where the entire offering is consumed by fire as a sweet aroma to the Lord. This act symbolizes complete dedication and propitiation, essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to `{{H1890}}` is `{{H3051}}` (יָהַב, yahab), "to give." This connection highlights the understanding of sacrifice not merely as a ritual but as a *gift* freely given to God.
Other significant related terms and concepts include:
* `{{H5930}}` (עוֹלָה, 'olah): The most common and direct parallel to habhâb. The 'olah is the standard Hebrew term for a "burnt offering" or "ascension offering," so named because it "goes up" in smoke to God. habhâb functions as a more emphatic or descriptive synonym for the 'olah, stressing its complete nature.
* `{{H7133}}` (קָרְבָּן, qorban): A general term for "offering" or "sacrifice," emphasizing that which is "brought near" to God. habhâb specifies a particular *type* of qorban.
* `{{H2077}}` (זֶבַח, zevach): A broader term for "sacrifice," often implying a communal meal or shared offering, in contrast to the complete consumption of habhâb.
* **Priesthood and Mediation:** The context of [[Deuteronomy 33:10]] directly links habhâb to the priestly function of the Levites, underscoring their role in mediating the people's approach to God through sacrificial worship.
* **Atonement and Devotion:** The "whole burnt offering" inherently carries connotations of complete devotion to God and serves as a means of atonement for sin, symbolizing the offerer's total surrender.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H1890}}` lends it a particular weight and specificity. Its emphasis on a "whole burnt offering" points to several profound theological truths:
1. **Totality of Devotion:** The "holocaust" or "whole burnt offering" was unique among sacrifices in that the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, with nothing remaining for human consumption. This symbolized complete and unreserved dedication to God. `{{H1890}}` underscores this aspect, signifying that true worship involves the complete giving of oneself to the Lord.
2. **Priesthood's Sacred Duty:** In the context of Moses' blessing of Levi, habhâb highlights the Levites' sacred and exclusive role in facilitating the most profound acts of worship. Their ministry was to enable Israel to approach a holy God through these complete offerings, which served both as expressions of devotion and means of atonement.
3. **Nature of Sacrifice as a Gift:** Derived from `{{H3051}}` ("to give"), habhâb reinforces the understanding of sacrifice as a voluntary and gracious gift offered to God, rather than a mere transaction or payment. It is a response of love and obedience to the divine covenant.
4. **Anticipation of Christ's Sacrifice:** The Old Testament sacrifices, particularly the whole burnt offering, serve as types and shadows pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His offering on the cross was the consummate "whole burnt offering"—a complete, once-for-all sacrifice that fully appeased divine wrath and perfectly atoned for sin, representing the ultimate act of self-giving to God.
### Summary
`{{H1890}}` (הַבְהָב, habhâb) is a rare and potent Hebrew term, appearing uniquely in [[Deuteronomy 33:10]]. Derived from the root `{{H3051}}` ("to give"), its reduplicated form emphatically denotes a "whole burnt offering" or "holocaust." This term underscores the complete and unreserved nature of a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on God's altar. Its singular usage in Moses' blessing of the tribe of Levi highlights the priesthood's essential role in mediating Israel's worship through such total offerings. Theologically, habhâb speaks to the necessity of complete devotion in worship, the sacred duty of those who facilitate access to God, and ultimately foreshadows the perfect and all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself entirely as the ultimate gift for humanity's redemption.
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