or יֹבֵל; apparently from יָבַל; the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus introduced; jubile, ram's horn, trumpet.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yôwbêl**, represented by `{{H3104}}`, refers to the blast of a horn, the instrument itself such as a **ram's horn** or **trumpet**, and most significantly, the festival introduced by this sound: the **jubile**. It appears **27 times** across **25 unique verses**. The term connects a specific sound to a foundational period of national restoration and release in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3104}}` appears in two primary contexts. First, it denotes a musical instrument used for signaling. During the siege of Jericho, priests carried seven "trumpets of **rams' horns**" [[Joshua 6:4]], and the signal for the people to shout was "a long blast with the **ram's** horn" [[Joshua 6:5]]. It is also translated as **trumpet** in the account of Israel at Mount Sinai [[Exodus 19:13]]. Second, and more frequently, it refers to the "year of **jubile**," a sacred fiftieth year marked by widespread restoration. On this occasion, liberty was proclaimed throughout the land, and every person was to "return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family" [[Leviticus 25:10]]. This event was so foundational that property values and terms of servitude were calculated based on the time remaining until the next **jubile** ([[Leviticus 25:15]], 25:50).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and function of the **jubile**:
* `{{H7782}}` **shôwphâr** (cornet, trumpet): This is another term for a horn, often used interchangeably or alongside **yôwbêl** to specify the instrument. In the account of Jericho, the command involves seven priests bearing seven "**trumpets** of rams' horns" [[Joshua 6:4]].
* `{{H1865}}` **dᵉrôwr** (liberty, pure): This word defines the central proclamation and purpose of the Jubilee year. The command is to "proclaim **liberty** throughout all the land," which establishes the year as a **jubile** [[Leviticus 25:10]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back, return, restore): This verb describes the primary action of the Jubilee. In the year of the **jubile**, people were to **return** to their ancestral property, ensuring families did not suffer permanent loss [[Leviticus 25:13]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go out): This word is used to describe the release of property and people. In the **jubile**, sold property shall "**go out**" from the hand of the buyer and return to the original family [[Leviticus 25:28]], and servants shall "**go out**" to freedom [[Leviticus 25:54]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3104}}` is significant, establishing principles of divine mercy and order.
* **Sacred Time:** The Jubilee year is not merely a social custom but a divinely established period that must be treated as holy. The command is to "**hallow** `{{H6942}}` the fiftieth year" [[Leviticus 25:10]], and the year itself "shall be **holy** `{{H6944}}` unto you" [[Leviticus 25:12]].
* **Economic Justice and Redemption:** The Jubilee provides a systemic reset to prevent permanent poverty and dispossession. Land sold out of necessity would revert to its original family [[Leviticus 27:24]], and Israelites who sold themselves into servitude were released, ensuring that economic hardship was not a perpetual state [[Leviticus 25:40]].
* **Proclamation of Freedom:** The concept is rooted in a public declaration signaled by a horn. The audible blast of the **trumpet** `{{H3104}}` makes the promise of **liberty** `{{H1865}}` a tangible reality for all inhabitants, demonstrating God's authority over time, property, and human freedom [[Leviticus 25:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3104}}` is far more than a word for a horn or a festival. It encapsulates a profound theological concept where an audible signal inaugurates a period of divine restoration. The **jubile** serves as a cornerstone of the Law, demonstrating God's commitment to mercy, justice, and the cyclical renewal of His people by ensuring the return of land, the release of slaves, and the restoration of families.
TRV