or זְבֻל; from זָבַל; a residence; dwell in, dwelling, habitation.
Transliteration:zᵉbûwl
Pronunciation:ze-bool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2073 זְבוּל (zᵉbûwl) is derived from the verbal root זָבַל (zābal), which carries the core meaning "to dwell, to inhabit, to reside." Consequently, זְבוּל signifies a "dwelling," "habitation," or "residence." Unlike more general terms for a house or tent, זְבוּל often implies a settled, established, and sometimes permanent abode. Its semantic range extends to both earthly dwellings and, significantly, to the divine dwelling in the heavens or on earth. The term carries a nuance of a fixed, appointed place of residence, rather than a temporary encampment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2073 זְבוּל in the Hebrew Bible are few but highly significant, primarily appearing in contexts related to God's dwelling place.
1. **The Temple as God's Earthly Dwelling:** In [[1 Kings 8:13]], during the dedication of the Temple, Solomon declares, "I have surely built thee an house of habitation, a place for thee to dwell in for ever." The parallel passage in [[2 Chronicles 6:2]] reiterates this, stating, "I have built a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever." Here, זְבוּל refers to the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. This usage emphasizes the Temple as a designated, permanent earthly residence for the LORD, a focal point for His presence among His people, Israel. It underscores the idea of God's willingness to "settle" among humanity, even while acknowledging His transcendence.
2. **Heaven as God's Divine Dwelling:** In [[Isaiah 63:15]], the prophet appeals to God, "Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory." Here, זְבוּל clearly refers to God's heavenly abode. This usage contrasts with the earthly Temple, affirming that while God condescends to dwell in a man-made structure, His ultimate, true, and glorious dwelling is in the heavens. It speaks to God's transcendence and the boundless nature of His presence.
3. **Celestial Dwellings:** [[Habakkuk 3:11]] presents a unique usage in a poetic context: "The sun and moon stood still in their habitation." In this verse, זְבוּל refers to the appointed place or orbit of the celestial bodies. This extends the meaning beyond human or divine dwellings to encompass any established or fixed position, highlighting the order and design of creation under God's sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H2073 זְבוּל is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms for dwelling places:
* **Root זָבַל (zābal):** As the verbal root, `{{H2076}}` זָבַל directly means "to dwell." The noun זְבוּל is a concrete expression of this action, signifying the place of dwelling.
* **אֹהֶל (ohel):** `{{H168}}` "Tent." Often implies a temporary or nomadic dwelling, contrasting with the permanence suggested by זְבוּל.
* **בַּיִת (bayit):** `{{H1004}}` "House." A more general term for a building, which can be a dwelling but does not inherently carry the specific theological or glorious connotations often associated with זְבוּל when referring to God's abode.
* **מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan):** `{{H4908}}` "Dwelling place, tabernacle." Specifically refers to the portable sanctuary in the wilderness, emphasizing God's presence among His people during their journey. While a dwelling, its portable nature distinguishes it from the settled זְבוּל of the Temple.
* **מָעוֹן (ma'on):** `{{H4583}}` "Dwelling, refuge." Frequently used for God's dwelling place, both earthly and heavenly, and often carries the nuance of a secure refuge. מָעוֹן shares semantic overlap with זְבוּל in referring to God's abode, but זְבוּל in the Temple context specifically highlights the *building* as a permanent residence.
זְבוּל often carries a sense of established permanence, dignity, and divine association, particularly when referring to the Temple or heaven, setting it apart from more generic terms for dwelling.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2073 זְבוּל is profound, primarily due to its association with the dwelling place of God.
1. **Divine Presence and Immanence:** The designation of the Temple as God's זְבוּל ([[1 Kings 8:13]]) powerfully conveys the concept of God's immanence – His willingness to condescend and dwell among His people. This established dwelling signified God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for an intimate relationship with Israel. The physical structure became a tangible symbol of His abiding presence, a place where His glory could be manifested and His people could draw near to Him.
2. **Divine Transcendence and Glory:** Simultaneously, the reference to heaven as God's זְבוּל ([[Isaiah 63:15]]) maintains the crucial theological balance of divine transcendence. While God chose to dwell in a man-made edifice, He is not contained by it. His true, eternal, and glorious habitation is in the heavens, a realm of ultimate holiness and power. This dual understanding of זְבוּל prevents any reduction of God to a localized deity, affirming His omnipresence and sovereignty over all creation. The Temple was a *reflection* of His heavenly זְבוּל, not its totality.
3. **Holiness and Sacred Space:** As the dwelling place of a holy God, the זְבוּל (both earthly and heavenly) is inherently a place of holiness and glory. This imbued the Temple with immense sanctity, requiring reverence, purity, and adherence to divine law from those who approached it.
4. **Order in Creation:** The usage in [[Habakkuk 3:11]], though less prominent, subtly reinforces God's meticulous ordering of the cosmos. Even the sun and moon have their appointed "dwellings," underscoring God's role as the orchestrator of all creation, establishing and maintaining order in the universe.
### Summary
H2073 זְבוּל (zᵉbûwl) is a significant Hebrew term denoting a "dwelling," "habitation," or "residence," derived from the root זָבַל (zābal), "to dwell." Its primary and most theologically rich applications in the biblical text refer to the dwelling place of God. It is used to describe both the earthly Temple in Jerusalem as a permanent abode for the LORD ([[1 Kings 8:13]]) and, more sublimely, God's glorious and holy dwelling in the heavens ([[Isaiah 63:15]]). Less frequently, it can denote the fixed place of celestial bodies ([[Habakkuk 3:11]]). Theologically, זְבוּל encapsulates the profound paradox of God's presence: His gracious immanence in dwelling among His people and His majestic transcendence as the sovereign ruler whose true habitation is in the heavens. It underscores the sacredness of God's chosen dwelling places and His meticulous ordering of creation.
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