### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H4002 (מַבּוּעַ, mabbûwaʻ) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root `{{H5042}}` (nābaʻ), which means "to gush forth," "to bubble up," or "to flow." Consequently, mabbûwaʻ specifically denotes a "fountain" or "spring" that actively *gushes* or *bubbles* forth water. It emphasizes the dynamic, effusive nature of the water's emergence from the ground, rather than a static pool or a constructed well. Its core meaning is a natural, flowing source of water, highlighting the spontaneity and vitality of its outflow. The term's semantic range is quite focused on this literal meaning, though its biblical applications extend to profound metaphorical and theological concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mabbûwaʻ appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, occurring in only three distinct passages, each lending unique contextual depth to its meaning:
* **[[Psalm 87:7]]**: "Both the singers and the players on instruments shall say, 'All my springs are in you.'" In this poetic and highly metaphorical psalm celebrating Zion, mabbûwaʻ is used in the plural (mabbûʻay) to represent the ultimate source of life, joy, and spiritual vitality. The psalmist declares that all his "springs" – all that gives him life and sustenance – originate from God, or from Zion as the dwelling place of God. This usage transcends the literal, pointing to a spiritual wellspring.
* **[[Isaiah 49:10]]**: "They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the scorching heat or sun strike them; for He who has compassion on them will lead them, and He will guide them to springs of water." Here, mabbûwaʻ is used in a literal sense within a prophetic context. It describes God's compassionate provision for His people, particularly the exiles returning from Babylon. The imagery evokes a shepherd leading his flock to life-sustaining water in a desolate land, symbolizing divine care, comfort, and restoration in the midst of hardship.
* **[[Proverbs 25:26]]**: "A righteous man who gives way before the wicked is like a troubled fountain and a polluted spring." This proverb employs mabbûwaʻ metaphorically to illustrate a moral truth. A spring is naturally expected to be pure and life-giving. If it becomes "troubled" or "polluted," its essential nature is corrupted, rendering it useless or even harmful. Similarly, a righteous person who compromises their integrity or yields to wickedness loses their moral efficacy and becomes a defiled source, failing to provide the spiritual purity and guidance expected of them.
Across these contexts, mabbûwaʻ consistently signifies a vital source, whether literal or metaphorical, often associated with purity, sustenance, and divine origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of water sources is central to biblical imagery, and mabbûwaʻ interacts with several related Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H5042}}` (nābaʻ):** The root verb, emphasizing the active "gushing forth" that defines mabbûwaʻ. This dynamic quality distinguishes it from static water bodies.
* **`{{H4726}}` (maqor):** Also translated "fountain" or "source," but maqor can refer more broadly to any origin point (e.g., "source of life," "source of blood"). While mabbûwaʻ specifically highlights the *effusive* nature of the water, maqor focuses on the *origin* itself.
* **`{{H5869}}` ('ayin):** Literally "eye," but very commonly used for a "spring" or "fountain" (e.g., En-Gedi, "spring of the kid"). ayin emphasizes the *location* where water emerges, whereas mabbûwaʻ emphasizes the *action* of the water's emergence.
* **`{{H875}}` (be'er):** A "well," typically a dug or constructed source of water, in contrast to the natural emergence of a mabbûwaʻ.
* **`{{H5104}}` (nahar):** A "river," a larger, continuous flow of water, often fed by springs or multiple sources.
These terms collectively contribute to the rich biblical tapestry of water imagery, representing life, purification, wisdom, and divine blessing. mabbûwaʻ specifically contributes the idea of an actively gushing, pure, and often divinely provided source.
### Theological Significance
The mabbûwaʻ carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's nature, His provision, and the spiritual life of His people.
1. **God as the Ultimate Source of Life and Blessing:** As a natural spring provides essential, life-sustaining water in often arid lands, mabbûwaʻ symbolizes God as the ultimate origin of all life, sustenance, and blessing. The promise in [[Isaiah 49:10]] of being led to "springs of water" speaks to God's compassionate care and unfailing provision for His people, echoing the broader biblical theme of God as the "fountain of living waters" ([[Jeremiah 2:13]]).
2. **Purity and Integrity:** The inherent purity of a natural spring makes it a potent symbol of righteousness and moral integrity. The warning in [[Proverbs 25:26]] underscores the vital importance of maintaining one's spiritual and moral purity. A "polluted spring" is useless and even harmful, highlighting the catastrophic consequences when a righteous person compromises their commitment to God's standards. This speaks to the expectation that those who claim to be God's people should be sources of purity and truth.
3. **Spiritual Refreshment and Sustenance:** The imagery of a mabbûwaʻ speaks to the deep spiritual refreshment and sustenance that comes from God. In [[Psalm 87:7]], the declaration "All my springs are in you" signifies that all true joy, strength, and spiritual vitality are found exclusively in God. This resonates with New Testament teachings about Christ as the source of "living water" who satisfies spiritual thirst ([[John 4:10-14]], [[John 7:37-38]]).
4. **Divine Revelation and Wisdom:** Just as water gushes forth from a spring, God's wisdom, truth, and revelation flow forth from Him. The Law and the Prophets are often depicted as refreshing streams that nourish the soul.
In sum, mabbûwaʻ points to the active, abundant, and life-giving nature of God's presence, provision, and truth, which sustains, purifies, and enriches the lives of His creation.
### Summary
H4002 (מַבּוּעַ, mabbûwaʻ) precisely describes a "gushing spring" or "fountain," emphasizing the dynamic and effusive emergence of water. Although rare in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences in [[Psalm 87:7]], [[Isaiah 49:10]], and [[Proverbs 25:26]] are profoundly significant. Contextually, mabbûwaʻ consistently functions as a potent symbol of a vital, pure, and often divinely provided source. Theologically, it powerfully illustrates God as the ultimate origin of life, sustenance, and spiritual refreshment, underscoring His compassionate provision and the critical importance of purity and integrity for His people. It distinguishes itself from other water-related terms by highlighting the active, bubbling nature of the source, making it a rich metaphor for the active outflow of divine blessing and truth.
TRV