from the same as כֶּבֶל in the sense of limitation; sterile; Cabul, the name of two places in Palestine; Cabul.
Transliteration:Kâbûwl
Pronunciation:kaw-bool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כָּבוּל (Kâbûwl), Strong's `{{H3521}}`, derives from a root conveying the sense of limitation or binding, akin to כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3502}}`), meaning "fetter" or "chain." This etymological connection gives rise to its primary semantic range when applied to land: "sterile," "barren," or "unproductive." While fundamentally a proper noun referring to specific geographic locations, the etymological meaning imbues the name with a descriptive quality. It suggests land that is constrained in its ability to yield, thereby being perceived as of lesser value or even worthless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּבוּל (Kâbûwl) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct places, though sharing the same name.
1. **[[Joshua 19:27]]**: Here, Cabul is listed as a town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. "And it turned toward the sunrise to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun and to the Valley of Iphtahel northward to Beth-emek and Neiel, and it went out to Cabul on the left." In this context, Cabul functions purely as a geographical marker, delineating tribal boundaries. There is no explicit commentary on its quality or productivity. Its inclusion in this list of towns suggests an established settlement.
2. **[[1 Kings 9:13]]**: This is the more significant and interpretively rich occurrence. Following Solomon's completion of the Temple and his own palace, he gave twenty cities in the land of Galilee to Hiram, king of Tyre, as compensation for Hiram's assistance in providing timber and gold. However, when Hiram came to inspect the cities, he was displeased, exclaiming, "What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?" And he called them the land of Cabul to this day. The name "Cabul" in this passage is clearly pejorative, reflecting Hiram's dissatisfaction. It implies that the cities were unproductive, infertile, or perhaps strategically insignificant from Hiram's perspective, thereby rendering them "worthless" or "good for nothing." This usage directly aligns with the etymological meaning of "sterile" or "limited in value." The narrative highlights a moment of diplomatic tension and differing valuations of resources between the two kings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3502}}`), "fetter" or "chain," which underscores the core idea of limitation or constraint. This connection informs the understanding of כָּבוּל as land that is "bound" or "limited" in its productivity.
Conceptually, כָּבוּל relates to:
* **Barrenness/Sterility**: Contrasts with the biblical ideal of fertile, productive land (e.g., "a land flowing with milk and honey").
* **Worthlessness/Disappointment**: As seen in Hiram's reaction, the term conveys a sense of unfulfilled expectation or perceived lack of value.
* **Tribute/Compensation**: The cities were intended as payment, and their designation as "Cabul" speaks to the quality of that payment.
* **Geographical Description**: Like many ancient place names, it likely carried a descriptive meaning related to the physical characteristics or perceived value of the area.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּבוּל primarily stems from its use in [[1 Kings 9:13]]. Here, the name serves as a poignant narrative detail that subtly illuminates several theological and ethical themes:
1. **The Nature of Gifts and Expectations**: Solomon, in his wisdom and wealth, offered these cities. Yet, Hiram, a foreign king, deemed them "Cabul," highlighting that even a king's generosity can be met with disappointment when it does not align with the recipient's expectations or perceived value. This speaks to the subjective nature of "worth" in human eyes.
2. **Contrast with Divine Provision**: Throughout the Old Testament, the land of Israel is presented as a divine gift, a land of abundance and blessing, contingent on obedience. The "land of Cabul" stands in stark contrast to this ideal, representing land that is undesirable or unproductive. While not directly a theological judgment on the land itself by God, it reflects human perception of value, which can differ significantly from God's perfect provision.
3. **Human Imperfection and Diplomacy**: The episode reveals the complexities of human relationships, even between powerful allies. Solomon, despite his divinely granted wisdom, could not perfectly satisfy all his human counterparts. The "land of Cabul" becomes a symbol of this imperfect human interaction and the challenges of inter-kingdom diplomacy.
4. **A Lesson in Humility**: For Solomon, the naming of these cities by Hiram might have served as a subtle reminder that even his vast resources and building projects were subject to human critique and that not all his endeavors would be universally acclaimed as perfect.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּבוּל (Kâbûwl, `{{H3521}}`) carries the core meaning of "sterile" or "limited," stemming from a root associated with fetters or constraints. While appearing as a geographical place name in [[Joshua 19:27]], its profound significance emerges in [[1 Kings 9:13]]. In this pivotal passage, Hiram, king of Tyre, labels the cities given to him by Solomon as "the land of Cabul," expressing his profound dissatisfaction and implying their worthlessness or unproductivity. This designation serves as a powerful narrative device, highlighting the subjective nature of value, the complexities of human expectations in diplomatic relations, and contrasting human perceptions of worth with the divine ideal of a bountiful land. The name "Cabul" thus encapsulates a moment of human disappointment and a subtle commentary on the limitations even of a divinely blessed king's earthly provisions.
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