from כָּבַר in its original sense; a sieve (as netted); sieve.
Transliteration:kᵉbârâh
Pronunciation:keb-aw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word kᵉbârâh (`{{H3531}}`) derives from the root kābar (`{{H3527}}`), which carries an original sense of being "large," "much," or "intertwined." From this root, the noun kᵉbârâh specifically denotes a "sieve." Its core meaning refers to a practical implement, typically constructed with a mesh or netting, used for separating finer particles from coarser ones, or for removing impurities from a substance. Semantically, it thus implies a process of refinement, purification, or the discernment and removal of undesirable elements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word kᵉbârâh (`{{H3531}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its singular context particularly significant for understanding its theological weight. It is found in [[Amos 9:9]]: "For behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve (כְּבָרָה), but not a pebble shall fall to the earth."
In this powerful prophetic declaration, the sieve serves as a central metaphor for God's sovereign judgment and purification of His people, Israel. The verb "sift" (from nāʿaʿ, `{{H5128}}`) describes the active, vigorous process of shaking and separating. The imagery conveys that Israel will be dispersed among the nations, undergoing a severe period of divine discipline. However, the crucial promise embedded within the metaphor is that "not a pebble shall fall to the earth." This signifies that while the impurities and the wicked will be removed or scattered, the true "grain"—the righteous remnant—will be miraculously preserved through the sifting process. Thus, the sieve represents not merely an instrument of punishment, but a tool of divine refinement, distinguishing between the valuable and the refuse, all under God's meticulous control.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root kābar (`{{H3527}}`) itself, while broad, contributes to the idea of the sieve's "netted" or "intertwined" construction. Other Hebrew words related to separation or sifting include:
* zārâh (`{{H2219}}`): To scatter or winnow, often used for separating chaff from grain by wind, focusing more on dispersion.
* nāʿaʿ (`{{H5128}}`): The verb "to shake" or "to sift," which is directly used with kᵉbârâh in [[Amos 9:9]], highlighting the active process of sifting.
Concepts closely related to the function of a sieve in biblical thought include:
* **Purification and Refinement:** Analogous to the refining of precious metals, the sieve separates impurities from the valuable essence.
* **Discernment and Judgment:** The act of sifting implies a divine process of distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked, the genuine and the counterfeit.
* **Divine Discipline:** The sifting is a form of correction, designed to bring about repentance and holiness.
This imagery finds a parallel in the New Testament, notably in [[Luke 22:31]], where Jesus tells Peter, "Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat," using the Greek word siniazō (`{{G4617}}`), which also means "to sift." This demonstrates the enduring spiritual significance of the sifting metaphor across both testaments.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of kᵉbârâh (`{{H3531}}`) in [[Amos 9:9]] carries profound theological weight, revealing key aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Control:** The metaphor powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and His chosen people. The sifting is not a chaotic event but a deliberate, purposeful act orchestrated by the divine hand, demonstrating His meticulous control over historical and personal destinies.
* **Purposeful Judgment and Purification:** God's judgment is not arbitrary destruction but a process with a specific purpose: purification. The sieve separates, ensuring that while the wicked are removed or scattered, the righteous remnant is preserved. This speaks to God's justice, which punishes sin, and His covenant faithfulness, which preserves His people.
* **Preservation of the Remnant:** The promise, "but not a pebble shall fall to the earth," is a cornerstone of the passage's hope. It signifies God's unwavering commitment to preserve His true people through trials. Even amidst severe judgment and dispersion, God ensures the survival of those who genuinely belong to Him, fulfilling His covenant promises.
* **Testing and Refinement:** The sifting process can be understood as a form of testing, designed to refine faith and character, removing what is impure or unessential. This aligns with broader biblical themes where suffering and trials lead to spiritual growth and maturity (e.g., [[James 1:2-4]]; [[1 Peter 1:6-7]]).
* **Hope Amidst Discipline:** Despite the severe nature of the sifting, the metaphor ultimately conveys a message of hope. The purpose is not annihilation but purification and the preservation of a holy people for God's ultimate redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word kᵉbârâh (`{{H3531}}`), meaning "sieve," appears uniquely in [[Amos 9:9]] as a potent metaphor for God's divine action. It illustrates His sovereign judgment and purification of Israel, likening His process to the meticulous sifting of grain. This imagery highlights God's absolute control, His purposeful judgment designed to refine and separate, and His unwavering commitment to preserve a faithful remnant. The sieve, therefore, symbolizes not only divine discipline but also the hope of ultimate preservation and purification for those who belong to Him, underscoring profound theological truths about God's justice, faithfulness, and refining work in the lives of His people.
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