from נָבֵל; stupid; wicked (especially impious); fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.
Transliteration:nâbâl
Pronunciation:naw-bawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5036}}`, *nâbâl*, derives from the root `{{H5034}}`, *nâbêl*, meaning "to fade, wither, or droop." This etymological connection is crucial, as it imbues *nâbâl* with the sense of moral and spiritual decay, a "withered" state of character. While it can denote intellectual dullness or stupidity, its primary semantic range extends far beyond mere lack of intelligence.
`{{H5036}}` fundamentally describes a person characterized by profound moral and spiritual deficiency. Its core meaning encompasses:
* **Stupidity/Foolishness:** Not merely intellectual incapacity, but a practical, active rejection of wisdom, especially divine wisdom. This is a "heart-foolishness" rather than a "head-foolishness."
* **Wickedness:** The foolishness of the *nâbâl* invariably manifests in unrighteous actions and a disregard for ethical norms.
* **Impiety/Irreverence:** This is a key nuance. The *nâbâl* is often someone who lacks respect for God, divine authority, or sacred things. Their foolishness is rooted in a practical denial or disregard of God's existence or sovereignty.
* **Vile/Ignoble:** The term can also describe someone despicable, contemptible, or base in character.
Thus, the *nâbâl* is not simply ignorant, but actively rebellious against the divine order, demonstrating a profound lack of moral and spiritual vitality, much like a plant that has withered and lost its life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5036}}` appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently highlighting its moral and spiritual dimensions:
* **The Character Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:** The most prominent and illustrative use of `{{H5036}}` is found in the narrative of Nabal, whose very name embodies the word's meaning. Nabal is described as "harsh and evil in his dealings" ([[1 Samuel 25:3]]). His refusal to provide sustenance to David and his men, despite their protection of his flocks, is an act of profound ingratitude, arrogance, and impious disregard for social and divine expectations of hospitality. Abigail, his wife, explicitly states, "Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him" ([[1 Samuel 25:25]]). His subsequent death, attributed to the Lord ([[1 Samuel 25:38-39]]), underscores the dire consequences of such a character.
* **Psalms 14 and 53:** These twin Psalms famously declare, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" ([[Psalm 14:1]], [[Psalm 53:1]]). Here, the "fool" (*nâbâl*) is not an intellectual atheist, but one who lives as if God does not exist, practically disregarding divine authority and moral accountability. This practical atheism leads to corrupt deeds and a lack of righteousness.
* **Deuteronomy 32:6:** In Moses' song, Israel is rebuked as "a foolish and unwise people" ([[Deuteronomy 32:6]]). This collective application of *nâbâl* highlights a failure of covenant faithfulness, a lack of understanding regarding God's gracious acts, and a turning away from His righteous ways.
* **Isaiah 32:5-6:** This passage contrasts the noble person with the *nâbâl*. The *nâbâl* is described as one who "devise[s] wicked schemes, to practice ungodliness and to utter error against the Lord, leaving the hungry empty and depriving the thirsty of drink" ([[Isaiah 32:6]]). This clearly links *nâbâl* to active wickedness, impious speech, and social injustice.
* **Job 2:10:** Job rebukes his wife, saying, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks" ([[Job 2:10]]). Her suggestion to "curse God and die" is presented as impious and lacking wisdom, characteristic of the *nâbâl*.
* **Psalm 74:18, 22:** The term is used to describe God's enemies, who "revile[d] the Lord" and acted with insolence. This underscores the impious and arrogant nature of the *nâbâl* as an adversary of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H5036}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root `{{H5034}}` (*nâbêl*):** As noted, the underlying verb "to fade, wither, droop" is crucial. The *nâbâl* is someone whose moral and spiritual life has withered, devoid of the vitality that comes from fearing God.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* `{{H2450}}` (*ḥākām* - wise): The direct opposite of the *nâbâl* is the wise person, whose life is characterized by discernment, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord.
* `{{H995}}` (*bîn* - to understand, discern): The *nâbâl* lacks true understanding and discernment, especially regarding divine matters.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts of Folly:** While overlapping, these terms often carry distinct nuances:
* `{{H3684}}` (*kěsîl* - fool, dullard): Often used in Proverbs, referring to someone stubborn, dull-witted, or resistant to instruction. While the *kěsîl* is foolish, the *nâbâl* often implies a more active, moral depravity and impious rebellion.
* `{{H200}}` (*’ěwîl* - fool, simpleton): Refers to someone easily led astray, lacking moral sense, or prone to rash behavior.
* `{{H191}}` (*’îsh ’aven* - man of iniquity/wickedness): While not a direct synonym, the *nâbâl* often embodies such iniquity.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Wisdom Literature:** The concept of the *nâbâl* is central to the wisdom tradition, which constantly contrasts the path of wisdom (fear of the Lord) with the path of folly.
* **Fear of the Lord:** The absence of the fear of the Lord is a defining characteristic of the *nâbâl*.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** In contexts like Deuteronomy, the foolishness of the *nâbâl* is linked to a failure to uphold covenant obligations and acknowledge God's sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5036}}` is profound, offering a stark portrayal of humanity's fallen state and the nature of rebellion against God:
1. **Nature of Folly as Moral and Spiritual:** The Bible consistently portrays the *nâbâl* not as intellectually deficient, but as morally and spiritually bankrupt. This "folly" is a volitional choice, a hardening of the heart against divine truth and righteousness. It is a practical atheism that denies God's authority and presence in daily life, leading to corrupt actions ([[Psalm 14:1]]).
2. **Impiety as Core:** A defining feature of the *nâbâl* is impiety. This is not merely irreverence but an active contempt for God, His ways, and His people. The *nâbâl* scoffs at what is sacred, disregards divine commands, and often speaks arrogantly against the Lord.
3. **Consequences of Folly:** The fate of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 serves as a powerful theological object lesson. The path of the *nâbâl* leads to ruin, judgment, and separation from God's blessing. This underscores the biblical principle that rejecting divine wisdom inevitably results in destruction.
4. **Contrast with True Wisdom:** The *nâbâl* stands as the antithesis of the wise person, whose life is founded on the "fear of the Lord" ([[Proverbs 9:10]]). The term highlights the critical choice humanity faces: to walk in humble submission to God's wisdom or to persist in self-sufficient, impious folly.
5. **Relevance to Covenant:** In contexts like Deuteronomy, the foolishness of Israel as *nâbâl* signifies a breach of covenant, a failure to remember and respond appropriately to God's faithfulness. It speaks to the danger of forgetting one's divine benefactor and acting without discernment.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5036}}`, *nâbâl*, describes a person characterized by a profound moral and spiritual foolishness that stems from a withered inner life. Far beyond mere intellectual deficiency, the *nâbâl* is marked by active wickedness, impious disregard for God, and a practical rejection of divine wisdom. This individual's folly is rooted in the heart, manifesting in actions and speech that defy righteousness and sacred order.
Biblical narratives, particularly the account of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 and the declarations in Psalms 14 and 53, vividly illustrate that the *nâbâl* is one who lives as if God does not exist, leading to corrupt and contemptible behavior. The term stands in stark opposition to true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord, and serves as a powerful warning about the dire consequences of choosing a path of irreverence and moral decay. The *nâbâl* embodies the spiritual barrenness that results from turning away from the life-giving source of God's truth and sovereignty.
TRV