from יָבַל in the sense of flowing; a deluge; flood.
Transliteration:mabbûwl
Pronunciation:mab-bool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַבּוּל (mabbûwl, `{{H3999}}`) is primarily defined as a "deluge" or "flood." Its etymological root is often traced to יָבַל (yābal), meaning "to flow," "to bring," or "to carry." This etymological connection underscores the active, overwhelming, and often destructive nature of the water it describes, suggesting not merely a large volume of water, but water that actively sweeps away or carries off. Unlike more general terms for rain (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem, `{{H1653}}`) or water (מַיִם, mayim, `{{H4325}}`), מַבּוּל specifically denotes a catastrophic, unprecedented, and divinely orchestrated inundation. It carries the semantic weight of a unique, epochal event of global proportions, distinctly set apart from ordinary floods or heavy rainfall.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַבּוּל occurs 13 times in the Hebrew Bible, with its overwhelming majority of appearances (12 times) concentrated within the Genesis narrative of Noah's Flood.
* **Genesis 6-11:** The primary context for מַבּוּל is the narrative of God's judgment upon the earth due to pervasive human wickedness. In this context, מַבּוּל consistently refers to *the* global deluge, emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. For instance, in [[Genesis 6:17]], God declares, "Behold, I, even I, am bringing a flood (מַבּוּל) of water upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven." This establishes the מַבּוּל as an instrument of divine judgment. Further references ([[Genesis 7:4]], [[Genesis 7:6]], [[Genesis 7:7]], [[Genesis 7:10]], [[Genesis 7:17]], [[Genesis 8:2]], [[Genesis 9:11]], [[Genesis 9:15]], [[Genesis 9:28]], [[Genesis 10:1]], [[Genesis 10:32]], [[Genesis 11:10]]) consistently link the term to this singular, cataclysmic event, marking a definitive break in human history and the beginning of a new covenantal era. The repeated use underscores its unique and unparalleled nature.
* **Psalm 29:10:** The sole occurrence outside of Genesis provides a crucial theological expansion: "The LORD sits enthroned over the flood (מַבּוּל); the LORD sits enthroned as King forever." Here, the מַבּוּל is not merely a historical event but a symbol of chaos and overwhelming power, over which Yahweh is depicted as sovereign King. This verse transforms the destructive imagery into a profound declaration of divine control and eternal reign, asserting God's authority even over the most tumultuous forces of creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While מַבּוּל is a distinct term for a specific type of flood, it relates to other concepts and words:
* **מַיִם (mayim, `{{H4325}}`):** The general word for "water." The מַבּוּל is an event *of* water, but the term itself carries a much greater weight of divine action and catastrophe than simple water.
* **גֶּשֶׁם (geshem, `{{H1653}}`):** "Rain." While the מַבּוּל involved rain, it also included the "fountains of the great deep" ([[Genesis 7:11]]), indicating a more comprehensive and supernatural source of water than mere precipitation.
* **שֶׁטֶף (sheteph, `{{H7858}}`):** "Overflow," "torrent," "flood." This term is often used for destructive floods (e.g., in prophetic judgment), and shares a semantic field of overwhelming water. However, מַבּוּל retains its unique association with the global Noachian event.
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of מַבּוּל is inextricably linked to themes of divine judgment, the consequences of human sin, divine sovereignty over creation and chaos, divine preservation, and the establishment of covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַבּוּל is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Judgment and Holiness:** The מַבּוּל stands as the preeminent biblical example of God's righteous judgment against human sin and pervasive wickedness ([[Genesis 6:5-7]]). It underscores God's absolute holiness, demonstrating that He cannot tolerate unbridled corruption and will act decisively to uphold His moral order. It is a powerful testament to the severity of sin and the certainty of divine reckoning.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** Psalm 29:10 is pivotal in highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty. The Lord is not merely the orchestrator of the מַבּוּל but is enthroned *over* it. This signifies that even the most chaotic and destructive forces are under His complete control and serve His purposes. It asserts God's supreme authority over creation, history, and the very elements.
3. **Divine Preservation and Covenant:** While a judgment, the מַבּוּל also showcases God's grace and faithfulness in preserving a righteous remnant (Noah and his family). This act of preservation leads directly to the establishment of the Noahic Covenant ([[Genesis 9:8-17]]), a promise never again to destroy all life by a מַבּוּל. This demonstrates God's enduring commitment to humanity and His creation, even in the aftermath of severe judgment.
4. **Typological Foreshadowing:** The מַבּוּל serves as a significant type in later biblical theology, particularly in the New Testament. Peter draws parallels between the Flood and baptism, seeing both as acts of divine salvation through water and judgment on the unrighteous ([[1 Peter 3:20-21]]). The מַבּוּL also functions as a warning and a prophetic foreshadowing of future eschatological judgment ([[2 Peter 2:5]], [[Matthew 24:37-39]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַבּוּל (mabbûwl, `{{H3999}}`) denotes a unique, divinely orchestrated, catastrophic "deluge" or "flood." Its primary usage refers exclusively to Noah's Flood, an epochal event of divine judgment against human sin. Rooted in the concept of overwhelming flow, מַבּוּל signifies not merely a large amount of water, but an active, destructive, and purifying force. Beyond its historical account in Genesis, Psalm 29:10 profoundly elevates the term, depicting God as eternally enthroned *over* the מַבּוּל, thereby asserting His absolute sovereignty even over chaos. Theologically, מַבּוּל encapsulates God's righteous judgment, His supreme power and control, His gracious preservation of a remnant, and His covenant faithfulness. It also serves as a potent typological reminder of future judgment and the necessity of salvation.
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