### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yabbesheth**, represented by `{{H3006}}`, is defined as **dry ground** or **dry land**. As a variation of `{{H3004}}` `yabbâshâh`, it carries the core concept of earth that is firm and free from water. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, yet its usage points to foundational biblical themes of creation and divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural contexts, `{{H3006}}` is used to highlight God's absolute authority over the natural world. In the Psalms, it is an object of God's direct creation, with the text stating "his hands formed the **dry** land," establishing it as part of His sovereign domain alongside the sea [[Psalms 95:5]]. In Exodus, the **dry** land serves as the stage for a divine sign, where water poured upon it would turn to blood, a miracle intended to convince the Israelites of Moses's divine commission [[Exodus 4:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `yabbesheth` by providing context and contrast:
* `{{H3004}}` **yabbâshâh** (dry ground; dry (ground, land)): This is the more common root word from which `{{H3006}}` is derived. It is used in key narratives of God's power, including the initial separation of land from water at creation [[Genesis 1:9]] and the miraculous parting of the sea for Israel's escape [[Exodus 14:22]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea or large body of water): This term is the natural counterpart to dry land. It is often mentioned alongside `yabbesheth` or `yabbâshâh` to present a complete picture of God's creation, over which He has absolute rule ([[Psalms 95:5]], [[Jonah 1:9]]).
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): As the element distinct from dry land, water is what God separates to reveal the land [[Genesis 1:9]] and what He uses upon the land to perform miracles, as seen in the sign given to Moses [[Exodus 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3006}}` is seen in its specific applications:
* **Divine Creation:** The word is used to explicitly attribute the existence of habitable land to the hands-on, formative work of God, emphasizing His role as the master creator [[Psalms 95:5]].
* **Stage for Divine Signs:** The dry land acts as a stable, observable platform upon which God demonstrates His miraculous power, transforming the very elements of nature to validate His message and His messenger [[Exodus 4:9]].
* **Fundamental Duality of Creation:** The concept of `yabbesheth` exists in a necessary tension with the sea `{{H3220}}` and water `{{H4325}}`. This duality underscores God's ordering of the cosmos, bringing forth a structured world from chaos.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H3006}}` is a rare word, it powerfully communicates the concept of a world both created and controlled by God. It is more than a simple geographical descriptor; it is a testament to God's foundational work of creation and a setting for His ongoing, miraculous intervention in the world. It represents the firm ground upon which God's authority is made manifest.
TRV