a primitive root; to pierce; to be hollow, or (figuratively) foolish; hollow, vain.
Transliteration:nâbab
Pronunciation:naw-bab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew primitive root `{{H5014}}` (nâbab) encapsulates a fascinating semantic progression, beginning with the concrete and moving towards the abstract. Its foundational meaning is "to pierce" or "to bore," suggesting an action that creates an opening or cavity. From this physical act, the meaning extends naturally to "to be hollow," describing the state resulting from such an action—an emptiness or lack of substance within. This physical hollowness then gives rise to its most significant figurative application: "to be foolish" or "to be vain." In this metaphorical sense, "foolishness" is understood as a spiritual or intellectual hollowness, a lack of sound judgment, wisdom, or moral substance. "Vain" implies emptiness, futility, or worthlessness, reflecting a state devoid of true value or purpose. Thus, `{{H5014}}` traces a path from a physical act of penetration to a state of internal emptiness, culminating in the profound theological concept of folly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a primitive root, `{{H5014}}` (nâbab) is not directly attested as a verb in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its significance lies primarily in its role as the conceptual foundation for a family of derived words that are frequently employed. While the root itself does not appear, its core semantic range—piercing leading to hollowness, and subsequently to emptiness or foolishness—informs the meaning of its more common derivatives. Therefore, a contextual analysis of `{{H5014}}` necessitates an examination of how its underlying sense of "emptiness" or "lack of substance" is expressed through related terms, which profoundly shape biblical understanding of wisdom, folly, and moral integrity. The absence of direct verbal occurrences for the root itself underscores its foundational nature, serving as the etymological wellspring for a crucial set of theological concepts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual impact of `{{H5014}}` (nâbab) is most clearly seen in its derivatives, which propagate its core meaning of "hollowness" and "emptiness" into the realms of character and moral judgment.
* **`{{H5036}}` נָבָל (nâbâl):** This noun, often translated as "fool" or "senseless person," is perhaps the most prominent derivative. It describes not merely an intellectual deficiency, but a moral and spiritual emptiness. The "nâbâl" is someone who lacks spiritual understanding, despises wisdom, and often acts contemptuously towards God and others. A prime example is Nabal in [[1 Samuel 25:25]], whose name itself signifies his foolish and churlish character, leading to his demise. His "folly" is an active rejection of wisdom and proper conduct.
* **`{{H5037}}` נְבָלָה (nᵉbâlâh):** This feminine noun refers to "folly," "disgrace," or "outrage." It denotes an act that is profoundly senseless, morally reprehensible, and often brings shame. It is used to describe acts of sexual immorality ([[Genesis 34:7]], [[Deuteronomy 22:21]]), heinous crimes ([[Judges 19:23-24]]), and generally any act that is utterly devoid of moral or spiritual substance, revealing an internal emptiness or corruption.
* **`{{H5034}}` נָבֵל (nâbêl):** While distinct in its Strong's number, this verb meaning "to wither," "to fade," or "to decay" shares a phonetic and semantic kinship with `{{H5014}}`. The idea of something withering or decaying evokes a loss of substance, vitality, or fullness, leading to an empty or lifeless state, mirroring the "hollowness" inherent in the root. This can be applied to physical decay ([[Isaiah 1:30]]) or the fading of glory and strength ([[Psalm 1:3]]).
Together, these words illustrate how the fundamental concept of "hollowness" or "emptiness" derived from `{{H5014}}` extends to describe a lack of moral and spiritual substance, manifesting as foolishness, disgraceful conduct, and ultimately, decay.
### Theological Significance
The semantic journey of `{{H5014}}` from "piercing" to "hollowness" and "folly" carries profound theological significance. It articulates a core biblical truth: true substance and meaning are found not in external appearances or self-sufficiency, but in wisdom, righteousness, and a right relationship with God.
* **The Nature of Folly:** Biblical "folly" (derived from this root) is not mere intellectual weakness but a moral and spiritual condition. It signifies a life or an act that is empty of divine wisdom, devoid of God's truth and guidance. This emptiness leads to actions that are destructive, disgraceful, and ultimately futile. The "fool" in Scripture is often one who says in his heart, "There is no God" ([[Psalm 14:1]]), demonstrating a fundamental spiritual hollowness.
* **Contrast with Wisdom:** The concept of "folly" implicitly highlights the necessity of "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`), which fills the void that folly represents. Wisdom, often personified as a divine attribute, provides substance, direction, and life, contrasting sharply with the emptiness and decay associated with folly.
* **Idolatry and Emptiness:** The idea of "vanity" or "emptiness" also resonates with the biblical critique of idolatry. Idols are often described as "nothing" or "vanity" ([[Jeremiah 10:15]]), having no true substance or power, reflecting the ultimate hollowness of worship directed away from the living God.
* **Moral Decay:** The link to "withering" (`{{H5034}}`) underscores that spiritual emptiness leads to moral and existential decay. A life lived in folly is not merely misguided; it is a life that is actively losing its vitality and moving towards spiritual death.
In essence, `{{H5014}}` and its derivatives serve as a powerful theological commentary on the dangers of a life lacking divine substance, emphasizing that true fulfillment and meaning are found only in God, whose wisdom fills the emptiness of human folly.
### Summary
The Hebrew primitive root `{{H5014}}` (nâbab) fundamentally means "to pierce," leading semantically to "to be hollow," and by extension, "to be foolish" or "vain." While not directly attested as a verb in the Hebrew Bible, its conceptual essence profoundly shapes the understanding of "folly" and "emptiness" through its vital derivatives. Words like `{{H5036}}` (nâbâl, "fool") and `{{H5037}}` (nᵉbâlâh, "folly, disgrace") reveal a lack of moral and spiritual substance, portraying individuals and actions devoid of divine wisdom. The related verb `{{H5034}}` (nâbêl, "to wither") further reinforces the idea of decay resulting from emptiness. Theologically, `{{H5014}}` highlights the critical distinction between a life filled with God's wisdom and one characterized by spiritual hollowness, emphasizing that true substance, meaning, and vitality are found only in adherence to divine truth, as opposed to the emptiness and decay inherent in human folly.
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