(Aramaic) corresponding to יָבַל; to bring; bring, carry.
Transliteration:yᵉbal
Pronunciation:yeb-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2987 (יְבַל, *yᵉbal*) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H2986}}` (יָבַל, *yabal*), sharing its fundamental meaning. At its core, H2987 denotes the action of "to bring" or "to carry." Its semantic range is relatively narrow, primarily encompassing the physical conveyance of objects from one location to another. There is no indication from the base definition of significant metaphorical extensions; its usage remains largely literal, focusing on the act of transport. As an Aramaic term, its appearances are confined to the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically the books of Daniel and Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2987 are few but highly significant, all relating to the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple.
* In [[Daniel 5:2]], King Belshazzar commands his servants to "bring" the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple. This act initiates the sacrilegious feast, setting the stage for divine judgment. The verb here signifies a direct, commanded physical transport.
* Immediately following, [[Daniel 5:3]] describes the execution of this command: "Then they brought the gold vessels..." This verse confirms the literal act of conveyance, emphasizing the physical presence of the holy objects in a profane setting.
* Daniel's rebuke to Belshazzar in [[Daniel 5:23]] reiterates the offense: "They have brought the vessels of His house before you..." Here, the passive voice underscores that the vessels were acted upon, highlighting the profound disrespect shown to God through their profane use. The "bringing" of these vessels is presented as a central component of Belshazzar's egregious sin.
* In [[Ezra 6:5]], the verb is used in a historical context, referring to Nebuchadnezzar having "brought" the temple articles to Babylon. This occurrence establishes the initial act of removal and captivity, which the subsequent decree of Cyrus aims to reverse. While the subsequent "brought back" in this verse uses a different Aramaic verb (`{{H8421}}`), H2987 succinctly captures the original act of carrying away.
Across these instances, H2987 consistently describes the physical relocation of the temple vessels, whether for sacrilegious use or as a historical record of their removal. The context in Daniel is one of profound desecration and divine wrath, while in Ezra, it sets the stage for restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2986}}` (יָבַל, *yabal*), which also means "to bring, carry, lead." This shared root highlights the fundamental concept of conveyance. Other related verbs in Hebrew that convey similar ideas of bringing or carrying include:
* `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא, *nasa'*): "to lift, carry, bear." This verb has a broader semantic range, encompassing bearing burdens, sins, or even children.
* `{{H935}}` (בּוֹא, *bo'*): "to come, go, enter." While primarily denoting movement, it can also imply "bringing in" when used transitively.
* In the Aramaic context of Ezra, `{{H8421}}` (תּוּב, *tuv*) is used for "to return" or "to bring back," providing a conceptual counterpoint to the action described by H2987.
Conceptually, H2987 is intertwined with ideas of:
* **Conveyance and Transport:** The literal movement of objects.
* **Possession and Control:** The act of bringing often implies a transfer of ownership or authority over the items.
* **Holiness and Profanation:** Particularly in Daniel, the "bringing" of sacred items into an unholy context highlights the severe violation of divine standards.
* **Divine Judgment and Restoration:** The actions described by H2987 serve as catalysts for divine judgment (Daniel) or as historical markers leading to divine restoration (Ezra).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2987 is profound, despite its simple lexical meaning. Its consistent use in relation to the temple vessels underscores critical themes:
* **The Sanctity of God's Possessions:** The "bringing" of the temple vessels, whether by Nebuchadnezzar or Belshazzar, represents a direct violation of the sanctity of items dedicated to Yahweh. These acts are not merely administrative transfers but profound affronts to divine holiness. The verb H2987 thus marks the physical manifestation of spiritual rebellion.
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Defiance:** While human agents "bring" these vessels, the narrative implicitly asserts God's ultimate sovereignty. The initial removal of the vessels from Jerusalem was part of God's judgment on His people, and Belshazzar's impious use of them precipitates immediate divine retribution. The verb H2987 highlights actions that, while humanly initiated, occur within the overarching framework of God's control and judgment.
* **The Gravity of Sacrilege:** In Daniel, the act of "bringing" the vessels for a pagan feast is presented as the ultimate act of blasphemy, directly leading to the handwriting on the wall and Belshazzar's downfall. This emphasizes that actions involving sacred objects carry immense spiritual weight and consequence.
* **The Path to Restoration:** In Ezra, the historical fact that the vessels were "brought" to Babylon sets the stage for their divinely ordained return. This reversal of the original act of carrying away symbolizes God's faithfulness to His covenant, His commitment to restoring His people, and the re-establishment of proper worship. The initial act described by H2987 becomes a necessary precursor to the subsequent act of divine grace and restoration.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H2987 (יְבַל, *yᵉbal*), corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H2986}}` (יָבַל), denotes the straightforward action of "to bring" or "to carry." Its limited yet impactful occurrences in Daniel and Ezra are exclusively tied to the movement of the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple. In Daniel, H2987 vividly portrays the act of bringing these holy objects into a context of profane revelry, thereby highlighting Belshazzar's egregious sacrilege and precipitating divine judgment. This usage underscores the profound theological implications of actions involving that which is consecrated to God. Conversely, its historical reference in Ezra to the vessels having been "brought" to Babylon sets the backdrop for their eventual return, symbolizing God's unwavering faithfulness and the promise of restoration. Thus, while semantically simple, H2987 serves as a pivotal verb in biblical narratives, marking critical junctures of both profound spiritual transgression and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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