### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mabbûwl**, represented by `{{H3999}}`, means **deluge** or **flood**, derived from a root word signifying "flowing." It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, almost exclusively to describe the great flood in the time of Noah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3999}}` is used to describe a singular, cataclysmic event of divine judgment. God declares His intention to "bring a **flood** of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh" [[Genesis 6:17]]. The event is so significant that it serves as a historical marker, with genealogies and events dated as occurring "after the **flood**" ([[Genesis 10:1]], [[Genesis 11:10]]). The narrative describes the waters of the **flood** increasing for forty days, bearing up the ark [[Genesis 7:17]]. Beyond Genesis, the word appears in Psalms, where it says "The LORD sitteth upon the **flood**," portraying God's sovereign rule over the very forces of destruction He unleashed [[Psalms 29:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context and purpose of the flood:
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh): This word identifies what was targeted by the deluge. God's purpose for the flood was to destroy "all **flesh**" [[Genesis 6:17]], a judgment from which He later promised to refrain [[Genesis 9:15]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (destroy): This primitive root defines the flood's function. The waters were brought specifically to **destroy** life from the earth [[Genesis 6:17]], and God's covenant guarantees that a flood will not **destroy** the earth again [[Genesis 9:11]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (cut (off, down or asunder)): This term is used in the covenant promise after the flood, where God establishes that "all flesh" will no longer be **cut off** by the waters of a flood [[Genesis 9:11]], highlighting the finality of this specific type of judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3999}}` is centered on God's judgment and subsequent covenant.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The flood is not a random natural disaster but a direct and purposeful act of God. He explicitly states, "behold, I, even I, do bring a **flood** of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh" [[Genesis 6:17]].
* **Demonstration of Sovereignty:** Even in the midst of overwhelming catastrophe, God is depicted as being in complete control. The declaration that "The LORD sitteth upon the **flood**" establishes His authority over the most powerful and destructive forces [[Psalms 29:10]].
* **Foundation for Covenant:** The event serves as the basis for a divine promise. God establishes his covenant that the "waters shall no more become a **flood** to destroy all flesh" [[Genesis 9:15]], making it a symbol of both God's wrath against sin and his ultimate mercy.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3999}}` refers to a foundational event in the biblical record. It is not merely a word for a large volume of water but signifies a specific, world-altering deluge used by God for judgment. It functions as a dividing line in history, the reason for the preservation of Noah's family, and the unrepeatable backdrop for God's covenant promise to never again destroy the earth in the same manner.
TRV