from an unused root meaning to burst forth; a fountain; spring.
Transliteration:nêbek
Pronunciation:nay'-bek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נֵבֶךְ (nêbek, `{{H5033}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to burst forth." This etymological root profoundly shapes its core meaning as "fountain" or "spring." The emphasis is not merely on a static body of water, but on water that actively emerges, often with force or vitality, from a hidden source. Thus, the semantic range of *nêbek* is quite narrow, specifically denoting a natural wellspring where water issues forth from the ground, often implying an inaccessible or mysterious origin point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *nêbek* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 38:16]]**: "Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?"
This sole occurrence is found within the Lord's powerful discourse to Job, where God challenges Job's understanding and wisdom concerning the vastness and complexity of creation. The phrase "springs of the sea" (נִבְכֵי יָם, nivkhey yam) refers to the hidden, foundational sources from which the great oceans are supplied. The rhetorical question underscores the limits of human knowledge and experience. Job, a mere mortal, could not possibly have explored these ultimate, concealed origins of the world's waters. The use of *nêbek* here highlights the profound mystery and inaccessible nature of these deep sources, known only to the Creator Himself. It serves to contrast human finitude with divine omniscience and omnipotence.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *nêbek* is unique in its singular occurrence, its concept of a water source connects it to several related Hebrew terms for springs, wells, and fountains, each with nuanced distinctions:
* `{{H5869}}` (ayin): Often translated as "eye," but frequently refers to a natural spring or fountain, a common and vital source of water in arid lands. Unlike *nêbek*, *ayin* does not necessarily emphasize the "bursting forth" aspect but rather the visible presence of the water source.
* `{{H4726}}` (maqor): Signifies a "fountain" or "source," often used metaphorically for the origin of life, wisdom, or blessing (e.g., [[Proverbs 13:14]], [[Psalm 36:9]]). While it can refer to a physical spring, its broader application extends beyond just water.
* `{{H875}}` (be'er): Refers to a "well" or "pit," typically a dug rather than a naturally emerging source of water, implying human effort in its creation or maintenance.
* `{{H2409}}` (chay): Often translated as "living" or "flowing" water, distinguishing it from stagnant water (e.g., [[Genesis 26:19]], [[Jeremiah 2:13]]). This term focuses on the dynamic nature of the water itself, rather than its specific origin point as *nêbek* does.
The concept of divine control over the deep and the sources of water is a recurring theme in biblical theology, linking *nêbek* to God's role as the ultimate Sustainer and Creator.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of *nêbek* in [[Job 38:16]] carries profound theological weight. It is strategically placed within God's self-revelation to Job, serving as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Omniscience and Omnipotence:** Only God knows the "springs of the sea." This illustrates His absolute knowledge and control over even the most hidden, fundamental, and powerful aspects of creation. The unsearchable depths of the earth and sea are fully known and governed by Him.
2. **The Unfathomable Depths of Creation:** *Nêbek* points to the mysterious and inaccessible origins of the natural world, which lie beyond human comprehension or exploration. It highlights that creation is not merely what is visible on the surface, but encompasses profound, hidden processes and sources that testify to a Creator of infinite wisdom.
3. **Human Humility in the Face of Divine Majesty:** By posing questions about these inaccessible "springs," God confronts Job with the limits of his own understanding and power. This serves to humble humanity, reminding us of our finite nature and the vast chasm between human wisdom and divine wisdom. It calls for reverent awe before the Creator.
4. **God as the Ultimate Source:** While not explicitly a source of life for humanity in this context, the control over the "springs of the sea" implicitly positions God as the ultimate source and provider for all of creation, even for the vast, life-sustaining oceans.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נֵבֶךְ (nêbek, `{{H5033}}`) denotes a "fountain" or "spring," specifically emphasizing the dynamic act of water "bursting forth" from a hidden origin. Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Job 38:16]] is highly significant, appearing in God's rhetorical challenge to Job. Here, "the springs of the sea" represent the inaccessible, profound, and foundational sources of creation, known only to God. Theologically, *nêbek* underscores God's unparalleled omniscience and omnipotence over the deepest mysteries of creation, simultaneously serving to humble humanity by highlighting the limits of human knowledge in contrast to divine wisdom. It points to God as the ultimate, unsearchable source of all things.
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