(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; a largess; reward.
Transliteration:nᵉbizbâh
Pronunciation:neb-iz-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word נְבִזְבָּה (nᵉbizbâh, `{{H5023}}`) is of uncertain derivation, yet its base definition is given as "largess" or "reward." The term "largess" typically denotes a generous gift or donation, often bestowed by a superior, while "reward" implies something given in return for service, merit, or as a form of compensation. Given its limited attestation in Biblical Aramaic, its semantic range is narrow, primarily centering on a form of payment or recompense. However, as subsequent analysis will show, its sole biblical occurrence necessitates a nuanced understanding of this base definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נְבִזְבָּה (nᵉbizbâh, `{{H5023}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[Ezra 7:26]]. This verse is part of the comprehensive decree issued by King Artaxerxes, granting Ezra extensive authority for the restoration of Temple worship and the administration of justice in the province Beyond the River. The full verse reads: "And whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him with diligence, whether unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment, or to נְבִזְבָּה."
In this context, נְבִזְבָּה is listed as one of several severe consequences for disobedience to either God's law or the king's law. The preceding penalties—death, banishment, confiscation of goods, and imprisonment—are all punitive measures. To interpret "reward" as a positive recompense in this list would be incongruous. Consequently, most modern translations and scholarly interpretations understand נְבִזְבָּה here not as a benevolent gift, but as a *punitive financial penalty* or *fine*. This aligns conceptually with "confiscation of goods" as a form of economic punishment. The "uncertain derivation" may allow for a broader interpretation that encompasses a forced payment or forfeiture. Thus, while the base definition suggests a positive "reward," the specific legal and punitive context of [[Ezra 7:26]] dictates a meaning closer to a negative "recompense" or "fine."
### Related Words & Concepts
While נְבִזְבָּה (nᵉbizbâh, `{{H5023}}`) is unique in its specific form and limited occurrence, it relates to broader concepts and other terms concerning recompense and penalty:
* **Hebrew Terms for Reward/Wages:**
* `{{H7939}}` (śākār): "wages, hire, reward," often positive.
* `{{H1487}}` (gĕmûl): "recompense, reward," which can be positive or negative, depending on the context (e.g., "recompense for deeds").
* **Hebrew Terms for Penalty/Fine:**
* `{{H6118}}` (ʿōnesh): "fine, penalty," which directly corresponds to the contextual meaning of נְבִזְבָּה in Ezra.
* `{{H3566}}` (kōpher): "ransom, bribe, atonement money," sometimes paid as a penalty.
* **Concepts:**
* **Justice and Judgment:** The word is embedded within a legal decree, highlighting the administration of justice and the enforcement of law.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** It underscores the biblical principle that actions, particularly disobedience to divine or human authority, carry tangible repercussions.
* **Royal Decree and Authority:** The word is part of an edict from a powerful monarch, demonstrating the king's authority to establish and enforce laws, including penalties.
* **Financial Penalty:** The most direct conceptual link from its contextual usage, denoting a monetary punishment.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance and the ambiguity of its base definition, the contextual meaning of נְבִזְבָּה (nᵉbizbâh, `{{H5023}}`) in [[Ezra 7:26]] carries significant theological implications for the post-exilic community.
1. **Dual Authority and Divine Mandate:** The decree explicitly links "the law of your God" with "the law of the king." This emphasizes the divinely sanctioned nature of the earthly ruler's authority, especially when that rule supports the restoration of true worship and adherence to God's commandments. The penalties, including the *nᵉbizbâh* (fine), serve to uphold both divine and royal statutes, reinforcing the idea that disobedience to either carries serious consequences.
2. **Consequences of Unrighteousness:** The list of punishments—death, banishment, confiscation, imprisonment, and fine—serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and rebellion against God's revealed will. Even a "reward" (nᵉbizbâh) can become a punitive measure when it represents the negative recompense for unrighteousness, illustrating that God's justice ensures that disobedience does not go unaddressed.
3. **Order and Holiness in the Restored Community:** The enforcement of these laws, backed by severe penalties, was crucial for establishing order and promoting holiness within the repatriated Jewish community. The ability to levy fines contributed to the practical means of ensuring adherence to the Law, which was essential for their spiritual renewal and the prevention of further divine judgment, reminiscent of their past exilic experience.
### Summary
The Aramaic word נְבִזְבָּה (nᵉbizbâh, `{{H5023}}`), generally defined as "largess" or "reward," takes on a specific and crucial meaning in its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezra 7:26]]. Within King Artaxerxes' decree, where it is listed among severe punishments for disobedience (death, banishment, confiscation, imprisonment), נְבִזְבָּה is best understood as a *punitive financial penalty* or *fine*. This contextual redefinition highlights the dynamic nature of word meaning. Theologically, this word, though rare, underscores the serious consequences of violating both divine and royal law, reflecting a commitment to justice, order, and holiness within the post-exilic community as they sought to re-establish their identity and worship in accordance with God's commands.
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