of foreign derivation; Kub, a country near Egypt; Chub.
Transliteration:Kûwb
Pronunciation:koob
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כּוּב (Kûwb), Strong's number `{{H3552}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation. Its core meaning is limited to identifying a particular region or country. The base definition indicates it is "of foreign derivation," suggesting it is a transliteration or adaptation of a name from a non-Hebrew language. It is further identified as "a country near Egypt," with the transliteration "Chub" also provided, which is how it appears in some English translations (e.g., KJV). As a proper noun, כּוּב does not possess a broad semantic range beyond its specific referent. Its significance lies in its geographical placement within the ancient Near East and its role in biblical prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כּוּב (Kûwb) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Ezekiel: [[Ezekiel 30:5]]. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt and its allies, spanning [[Ezekiel 30:1-19]]. The context is one of divine judgment and desolation, where the Lord declares His intention to bring ruin upon Egypt and all who support it.
In [[Ezekiel 30:5]], כּוּב is listed among several nations that will fall alongside Egypt: "Ethiopia, Put, Lud, all Arabia, Libya, and the people of the land that is in league." (ESV, NASB). The King James Version renders כּוּב as "Chub." The scholarly consensus often identifies כּוּב with a region in North Africa, likely associated with ancient Libya or a people group within its vicinity. Its inclusion in this list underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, extending even to distant or less prominent allies of Egypt, highlighting the breadth of divine sovereignty over all nations. The prophecy's specificity in naming these diverse peoples emphasizes the totality of the coming destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that כּוּב (Kûwb) is a proper noun, it does not have direct lexical cognates within Hebrew. However, it is conceptually related to several geographical and ethnic terms mentioned alongside it or in similar contexts:
* **Ethiopia (כּוּשׁ, Kûsh, `{{H3568}}`):** Often identified with ancient Nubia, south of Egypt.
* **Put (פּוּט, Pûṭ, `{{H6316}}`):** Frequently associated with Libya or a region west of Egypt in North Africa. This connection is particularly strong, as some scholars believe כּוּב may refer to a specific region or people within Put/Libya.
* **Lud (לוּד, Lûd, `{{H3866}}`):** While sometimes linked to Lydia in Asia Minor, in the context of African allies of Egypt, it is often identified with a North African people.
* **Lubim (לוּבִים, Lûbîm, `{{H3865}}`):** This term is widely accepted as referring to the Libyans, and many scholars propose that כּוּב is either an alternative name for a part of the Lubim or a distinct but closely related group within the broader Libyan sphere. The phonetic similarity and geographical proximity support this connection.
The overarching concept linking these terms is the network of nations allied with Egypt, all of whom are subject to the Lord's judgment.
### Theological Significance
While כּוּב (Kûwb) is a specific geographical reference, its inclusion in prophecy carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The mention of כּוּב, even as a seemingly obscure or distant nation, demonstrates God's universal dominion. His judgment is not confined to Israel or its immediate neighbors but extends to all peoples and kingdoms, irrespective of their perceived power or remoteness. This underscores the truth that no nation is outside the purview of the Almighty's authority.
2. **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment:** The precise naming of various nations, including כּוּב, within Ezekiel's prophecy against Egypt, highlights the meticulous detail and absolute certainty of God's word. The inclusion of such specific, perhaps lesser-known, entities reinforces the comprehensive and inevitable nature of the divine pronouncements.
3. **God's Justice and Accountability:** The judgment against Egypt and its allies, including כּוּב, is presented as a righteous act of God's justice. These nations, often characterized by their pride, idolatry, or opposition to God's people, are held accountable for their actions. The fall of כּוּב along with Egypt serves as a stark reminder that all nations are ultimately answerable to the Creator.
4. **Warning to All Peoples:** By illustrating the downfall of powerful nations and their allies, the prophecy concerning כּוּב and others serves as an enduring warning. It teaches that human alliances and military might are ultimately futile against the will of God, and that true security lies only in alignment with His purposes.
### Summary
כּוּב (Kûwb), Strong's number `{{H3552}}`, is a proper noun identifying a country "of foreign derivation" located "near Egypt." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezekiel 30:5]], where it is listed among the nations allied with Egypt that will fall under divine judgment. Scholars widely associate כּוּב with a region in North Africa, likely Libya or a people related to the Lubim (`{{H3865}}`). Theologically, its inclusion in this prophecy powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, the unwavering certainty of His prophetic word, and the comprehensive nature of His righteous judgment, serving as a timeless reminder that all peoples are accountable to the Creator.
TRV