from לָבַן; properly, whiteness, i.e. (by implication) transparency; paved.
Transliteration:libnâh
Pronunciation:lib-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לִבְנָה (libnâh, `{{H3840}}`) derives directly from the root לָבַן (lavan, `{{H3835}}`), which fundamentally means "to be white." Consequently, the primary semantic range of libnâh encompasses "whiteness" and, by implication, "transparency" or "clearness." This suggests a quality of purity, brightness, or a lack of opacity. The extended definition "paved" arises from its singular contextual usage, where it describes a surface or material characterized by these qualities. This "paved work" is not merely a common path but a brilliant, clear, and perhaps reflective surface, embodying the essence of its root meaning in a tangible form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term לִבְנָה (libnâh, `{{H3840}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence exceptionally significant for its interpretation. This unique instance is found in [[Exodus 24:10]]: "And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness."
This passage describes the profound vision granted to Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel on Mount Sinai. As they ascend and eat in the presence of God, they are given a glimpse of His divine majesty. The "paved work" (מַעֲשֵׂה לִבְנַת הַסַּפִּיר, *ma'aseh livnat hassappir*) under God's feet is not a mundane floor but a supernaturally radiant foundation. It is explicitly compared to a sapphire stone, renowned for its deep blue color and clarity, and further likened to "the body of heaven in its clearness." This imagery emphasizes the extraordinary purity, brilliance, and transcendent nature of the divine presence. The libnâh here thus signifies a surface of exquisite clarity and luminosity, reflecting the very essence of the heavens and the purity of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for לִבְנָה (libnâh, `{{H3840}}`) is its root, לָבַן (lavan, `{{H3835}}`), "to be white." This root gives rise to several related terms that underscore the concept of whiteness in various contexts:
* לָבָן (lavan, `{{H3836}}`): The adjective "white," used to describe objects, garments, snow, or even the skin condition of leprosy.
* לְבָנָה (levanah, `{{H3842}}`): "Moon," literally "the white one," referring to its pale, luminous appearance.
* לִבְנֶה (livneh, `{{H3841}}`): "Poplar tree," possibly named for its white bark or the underside of its leaves.
Conceptually, libnâh is intertwined with themes of:
* **Purity and Holiness:** Whiteness in the Bible frequently symbolizes purity, righteousness, and divine holiness (e.g., garments of angels, the transfigured Christ). The "paved work" under God's feet, characterized by clearness and the brilliance of sapphire, powerfully conveys His unblemished nature.
* **Glory and Majesty:** The radiant, precious, and heavenly nature of the "paved work" underscores God's overwhelming glory, majesty, and transcendence. It is a foundation befitting the King of the universe.
* **Heavenly Realm:** The explicit comparison to "the body of heaven in its clearness" connects this earthly vision on Sinai to the celestial realm, hinting at the sublime and otherworldly nature of God's dwelling.
* **Divine Presence:** The vision in [[Exodus 24:10]] is one of the most direct descriptions of encountering God's presence in the Old Testament, making libnâh part of a rare and profound theological revelation.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of לִבְנָה (libnâh, `{{H3840}}`) in [[Exodus 24:10]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a foundational image for understanding the nature of God's presence and His dwelling.
1. **Divine Transcendence and Purity:** The "paved work of sapphire" under God's feet signifies His absolute transcendence. He is not merely present on the mountain; His very foundation is of an unearthly, pure, and glorious substance. The whiteness and clarity inherent in libnâh emphasize God's immaculate holiness and moral purity, indicating that no defilement can approach His presence.
2. **The Foundation of God's Sovereignty:** As the "paved work under His feet," it represents the stable, brilliant, and pure foundation of God's universal dominion and authority. His rule is established upon perfect righteousness and unblemished glory.
3. **Anticipation of Heavenly Visions:** This vision in Exodus profoundly influences later biblical depictions of God's throne and heavenly dwelling. Prophets like Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 1:26]], [[Ezekiel 10:1]]) and John in Revelation ([[Revelation 4:6]], [[Revelation 21:19]]) describe similar scenes involving precious stones, crystal, and brilliant light surrounding God's throne, often with a "pavement" or "sea of glass" before Him. The libnâh in Exodus thus provides an early, foundational glimpse into the splendor of the divine realm.
4. **A Glimpse of the Unapproachable Light:** While Moses and the elders "saw God," the description focuses on the ground beneath His feet, a mediated vision that protects them from the full, unapproachable glory of God, yet still conveys His awesome majesty through the libnâh's brilliant clarity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לִבְנָה (libnâh, `{{H3840}}`), derived from the root "to be white," primarily denotes "whiteness" and "transparency," extending to describe a "paved work" of such qualities. Its singular, pivotal occurrence in [[Exodus 24:10]] describes the glorious, sapphire-like pavement under God's feet on Mount Sinai, a surface compared to the "body of heaven in its clearness." This unique vision underscores God's absolute purity, transcendence, and majestic glory, connecting the earthly encounter with the divine to the celestial realm. It serves as a foundational image for understanding the nature of God's presence and anticipates later biblical descriptions of the heavenly throne room, emphasizing the unblemished holiness and radiant sovereignty of the Almighty.
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