a primitive root; properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp); bring (forth), carry, lead (forth).
Transliteration:yâbal
Pronunciation:yaw-bal'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2986}}` (yâbal) is a primitive verb whose core meaning is "to flow." This foundational sense implies a continuous, unhindered movement, much like water in a stream. From this primary meaning, the verb develops a significant causative sense, particularly in the Hiphil stem, where it means "to bring," "to carry," or "to lead forth." The nuance "especially with pomp" is crucial, suggesting a deliberate, often solemn, and processional bringing. This can involve bringing gifts, tribute, or people, often in a formal or majestic manner. The passive Hofal stem denotes "to be brought" or "to be led." Thus, the semantic range spans from the natural flow of water to the purposeful, often grand, movement of objects or individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of `{{H2986}}` primarily appear in the Hiphil and Hofal stems, reflecting its causative and passive applications.
* **Bringing Offerings and Tribute:** A prominent use is in the context of bringing gifts, offerings, or tribute to God or to a ruler, often implying a solemn procession or act of homage. Examples include:
* [[Psalm 68:29]] (ESV: "kings will bring gifts to you").
* [[Psalm 76:11]] (ESV: "let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared").
* [[Isaiah 18:7]] (ESV: "At that time tribute will be brought to the LORD of hosts").
* [[Zephaniah 3:10]] (ESV: "from beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offerings").
* [[Jeremiah 17:26]] (ESV: "and bringing thank offerings to the house of the LORD").
These instances strongly support the "with pomp" aspect, highlighting the reverence and intentionality of the act.
* **Leading People (Exile and Restoration):** The verb is also used to describe the leading or bringing of people, often in significant historical or prophetic contexts:
* [[Jeremiah 30:18]] (ESV: "I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion on his dwellings"). Here, it refers to God bringing His people back from exile.
* [[Jeremiah 32:37]] (ESV: "Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I have driven them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation, and I will bring them back to this place"). This further emphasizes divine restoration.
* [[Jeremiah 36:20]] (ESV: "they went to the king into the court, but they had stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the secretary, and they reported all the words to the king"). This refers to the scroll being brought to the king.
* **Passive Submission/Suffering:** In the Hofal stem, `{{H2986}}` powerfully describes a state of being led, often to a dire fate:
* [[Isaiah 53:7]] (ESV: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth"). This verse is profoundly significant for its messianic implications.
* [[Jeremiah 11:19]] (ESV: "But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter"). This parallel imagery reinforces the theme of innocent suffering.
* **Flowing Water:** The more literal sense of "flow" appears in [[Isaiah 43:20]] (ESV: "I give waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people"), where rivers "bring" water, connecting to the root meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H2986}}` is closely related to `{{H2988}}` (yābal), which means "to bear, bring forth, yield" (especially fruit or produce). While `{{H2986}}` focuses on the *act* of bringing or leading, `{{H2988}}` emphasizes the *result* or *production*. Other Hebrew verbs that convey aspects of carrying or bringing include `{{H5375}}` (nāśā', to lift, carry, bear) and `{{H935}}` (bô', to come, enter, bring in). Conceptually, `{{H2986}}` is tied to ideas of procession, tribute, offerings, divine leading, exile, and restoration. Its usage in the context of leading to slaughter connects it to themes of sacrifice and suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2986}}` is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** God is repeatedly depicted as the one who "brings" or "leads" His people, whether into or out of captivity ([[Jeremiah 30:18]], [[Jeremiah 32:37]]). This highlights His active involvement in history and His sovereign control over the destiny of nations and individuals. He is the ultimate orchestrator of movements.
* **Worship and Homage:** The frequent use of `{{H2986}}` in the context of bringing offerings and tribute (e.g., [[Psalm 68:29]], [[Isaiah 18:7]]) underscores the act of worship, reverence, and submission to the divine. The "pomp" associated with this bringing signifies the honor due to God and the solemnity of approaching His presence.
* **Messianic Suffering and Sacrifice:** The profound application of `{{H2986}}` in [[Isaiah 53:7]] and [[Jeremiah 11:19]] as "led to the slaughter" is a powerful foreshadowing of the suffering servant, Jesus Christ. It speaks to His willing submission to the Father's plan, His innocence, and the redemptive nature of His sacrifice. This passive leading is central to the Christian understanding of atonement.
* **Faithfulness in Restoration:** God's promise to "bring back" His people from exile demonstrates His enduring covenant faithfulness and His power to restore what was lost.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2986}}` (yâbal) moves from a core sense of "to flow" to a primary causative meaning of "to bring," "to carry," or "to lead forth," often with a connotation of solemnity or pomp. Its biblical occurrences reveal its use in bringing offerings and tribute to God, symbolizing worship and homage. Crucially, it describes God's sovereign act of leading His people, both into and out of exile, demonstrating His providence and faithfulness. Most profoundly, the passive form of `{{H2986}}` is employed in prophetic texts to depict the suffering servant being "led to the slaughter," a poignant image that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Thus, `{{H2986}}` encompasses themes of divine action, human worship, and redemptive suffering.
TRV