a primitive root; to sink; drown, fasten, settle, sink.
Transliteration:ṭâbaʻ
Pronunciation:taw-bah'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2883 (ṭâbaʻ) is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "to sink." This fundamental sense extends into a nuanced semantic range, encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Primarily, it denotes a downward motion into a medium, often water or mire, leading to submergence. From this literal sinking, the meaning expands to "drown," which is the fatal consequence of sinking in water.
Beyond simple submergence, H2883 can also convey the idea of becoming deeply embedded or stuck, as in sinking into soft ground. This leads to a less intuitive, but significant, extension: "to fasten" or "to settle." In this sense, the act of sinking implies a firm placement or establishment, where something becomes fixed or rooted by virtue of its downward motion or weight. Thus, H2883 carries a dual potential: it can signify destructive immersion and overwhelming distress, or conversely, a process of secure embedding and firm establishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2883 in the Hebrew Bible vividly illustrate its semantic breadth:
1. **Literal Sinking/Drowning (Divine Judgment):** One of the most prominent uses of H2883 is in the context of the Red Sea crossing, describing the destruction of Pharaoh's army. In [[Exodus 15:4]], it is declared, "Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and his chosen officers are *sunk* (טָבְעוּ) in the Red Sea." Here, the verb signifies a complete and irreversible submergence, an act of divine judgment. Similarly, [[Exodus 15:10]] states, "You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They *sank* (טָבְעוּ) like lead in the mighty waters," emphasizing the weight and finality of their demise.
2. **Figurative Sinking (Distress & Overwhelm):** The verb frequently depicts a state of profound distress, helplessness, or being overwhelmed by circumstances. In [[Psalm 69:2]], the psalmist cries out, "I *sink* (טָבַעְתִּי) in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me." This imagery powerfully conveys a feeling of being trapped and unable to escape from overwhelming troubles. Likewise, in [[Jeremiah 38:6]], Jeremiah is cast into a cistern, and "he *sank* (וַיִּטְבַּע) in the mire." This literal sinking into mire serves as a potent metaphor for his desperate and vulnerable situation.
3. **Sinking/Settling (Destruction & Firmness):** In some contexts, H2883 describes something sinking into the ground, implying either ruin or a firm, unyielding placement. [[Lamentations 2:9]] laments the destruction of Jerusalem: "Her gates have *sunk* (טָבְעוּ) into the ground; He has destroyed and broken her bars." Here, the sinking of the gates signifies their utter demolition and absorption into the earth, a symbol of complete ruin. This usage, while still involving downward motion, leans towards the "settle" aspect, as the gates are firmly fixed in their state of destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H2883 resonates with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Words for Water and Depth:** The contexts of H2883 often involve water (מַיִם, mayim), sea (יָם, yam), or deep waters (מְצוּלוֹת, metzulot). Related terms for depth, such as `{{H4688}}` (ma'amaq, "deep place") or `{{H6683}}` (tsulah, "deep"), naturally accompany instances of sinking.
* **Words for Overwhelm and Perish:** The consequence of sinking, especially drowning, connects H2883 with verbs signifying destruction or ruin, such as `{{H6}}` ('abad, "to perish, be lost") or `{{H3985}}` (maḥah, "to wipe out, blot out"). The sense of being overwhelmed by trouble links it to concepts of distress (צָרָה, tsarah) or affliction (עֹנִי, oni).
* **Words for Firmness and Stability:** While less frequent, the "fasten/settle" aspect of H2883 connects it conceptually to words denoting stability or establishment, such as `{{H3559}}` (kun, "to establish, prepare") or `{{H5324}}` (natsav, "to stand, set up"). This highlights the paradoxical nature of the root, where sinking can lead to a fixed state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2883 is profound, reflecting both divine power and human vulnerability:
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The most striking theological use of H2883 is in depicting God's judgment, particularly against His enemies. The drowning of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea is a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to execute justice. It underscores the futility of resisting the Almighty, as even the mightiest armies are powerless before His command to sink.
2. **Human Helplessness and Dependence:** The frequent use of H2883 to describe individuals sinking in mire or deep waters highlights the profound sense of human helplessness in the face of overwhelming distress, sin, or persecution. It portrays a state of being utterly trapped and unable to deliver oneself. This vulnerability, however, often serves to emphasize the need for divine intervention and deliverance, making God the sole source of rescue from such dire circumstances.
3. **Consequences of Disobedience and Ruin:** When cities or structures are described as "sinking," it often symbolizes the complete ruin and desolation brought about by divine judgment due to sin and disobedience. It is a visual metaphor for the irreversible consequences of straying from God's covenant.
4. **The Paradox of Sinking and Stability:** While less prominent, the "fasten/settle" aspect of H2883 can subtly point to the idea that even in destruction or profound change, there can be a fixed outcome. This can be seen in the firm establishment of judgment or the unyielding nature of certain consequences.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2883 (ṭâbaʻ), rooted in the core concept of "to sink," possesses a rich semantic range encompassing literal submergence, the fatal consequence of drowning, and the figurative experience of being overwhelmed by distress. Paradoxically, it can also denote a firm embedding or settling, implying either destruction or a fixed state. Biblically, H2883 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign judgment, particularly in the dramatic account of the Red Sea. It also eloquently portrays the depths of human helplessness and vulnerability when individuals are depicted as sinking in mire or deep waters of affliction, thereby underscoring their desperate need for divine deliverance. Furthermore, its use in describing structures sinking into the ground serves as a stark symbol of ruin and the irreversible consequences of disobedience. Thus, H2883 is a potent term that speaks to both the destructive power of divine action and the profound existential struggles of humanity.
TRV