or מֶבָּט; from נָבַט; something expected, i.e. (abstractly) expectation; expectation.
Transliteration:mabbâṭ
Pronunciation:mab-bawt'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מַבָּט (mabbâṭ), transliterated as *mabbâṭ*, is derived from the verbal root נָבַט (nābaṭ), which means "to look," "to gaze," or "to behold." As a noun, מַבָּט carries the primary meaning of "expectation" or "something expected." This is not merely a passive hope, but an active looking forward to a future event or outcome. It can denote both the object of anticipation and the state of awaiting it. The term implies a degree of foresight and often a confidence in the anticipated outcome, whether rooted in human planning or perceived divine promise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַבָּט (mabbâṭ) is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once.
* **[[Ezekiel 19:5]]**: "And when she saw that she had waited, and her expectation was lost, and her hope was gone, then she took another of her cubs, and made him a young lion."
* This verse is part of a lamentation concerning the princes of Israel, depicted as lion cubs. The "mother lioness" represents the nation or a royal lineage within it. Her "expectation" (מַבָּב) regarding her "cub" (prince) — presumably for a powerful and secure reign — is described as "lost" (אָבַד, *'ābad*).
* The context highlights a profound sense of disappointment and the futility of human aspirations when divine judgment is at play. The "expectation" was for continued sovereignty and strength, which was tragically unfulfilled. The pairing with "תּוֹחֶלֶת" (tôḥeleṯ), meaning "hope," emphasizes the complete collapse of what was keenly anticipated. This singular occurrence powerfully underscores the fragility of human-centered hopes and the devastating impact of their failure.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5892}}` תּוֹחֶלֶת (tôḥeleṯ):** This word, often translated as "hope" or "expectation," is found in parallel with מַבָּט in [[Ezekiel 19:5]]. While both convey the idea of looking forward, תּוֹחֶלֶת frequently carries a stronger nuance of confident trust, especially when directed towards God. The juxtaposition in Ezekiel suggests a close semantic relationship, with מַבָּט perhaps emphasizing the *object* of the anticipation or the *act* of looking forward to it, while תּוֹחֶלֶת speaks more to the inner state of confident waiting.
* **`{{H3176}}` יָחַל (yāḥal):** The verbal root from which תּוֹחֶלֶת derives, meaning "to wait," "to hope," or "to expect." This root is foundational to the concept of patient and often faithful expectation, particularly in the context of divine promises.
* **`{{H7664}}` שֶׁבֶר (shever):** Meaning "breaking" or "calamity." While not a direct synonym, the "loss" of מַבָּט in [[Ezekiel 19:5]] directly leads to a state of ruin and despair for the nation, illustrating the consequences of shattered expectations.
* **`{{H5027}}` נָבַט (nābaṭ):** The root verb from which מַבָּט is derived, meaning "to look," "to gaze," or "to behold." This connection highlights that "expectation" is an act of looking forward with a specific object in mind.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, מַבָּט (mabbâṭ) in [[Ezekiel 19:5]] carries profound theological weight. It appears within a prophetic indictment of Israel's leadership, underscoring a critical biblical truth: human expectations, especially those centered on worldly power, political stability, or dynastic continuity, are ultimately contingent upon divine will and faithfulness. When the nation or its leaders deviate from God's covenant, their "expectation" of prosperity and security can be "lost." This serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate hope in human endeavors or earthly institutions. The passage implicitly contrasts the futility of such misplaced expectations with the steadfast and enduring hope that should be placed in Yahweh alone. The "loss" of this expectation is presented as a direct consequence of disobedience and a harbinger of divine judgment, emphasizing that true and lasting security is found only in alignment with God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַבָּט (mabbâṭ) signifies "expectation" or "something expected," deriving from the root "to look." Its sole appearance in [[Ezekiel 19:5]] is highly significant, portraying the devastating "loss" of a nation's expectation for its leadership. This powerful imagery underscores the transient nature of human-centered hopes and the severe consequences when a people's aspirations are not rooted in faithful obedience to God. The word serves as a poignant reminder that while humanity naturally looks forward with expectation, true and enduring hope must ultimately be placed in the sovereign and unfailing will of the Lord.
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