from נָבֵל; a flabby thing, i.e. a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol; (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉbêlâh**, represented by `{{H5038}}`, refers to a **carcase** or **carrion**. It appears 48 times across 41 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition is "a flabby thing," which is used to denote a dead body, whether human or bestial. The term is also used to describe something that "dieth of itself" and, figuratively, an idol, carrying strong connotations of defilement and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5038}}` is used in several key contexts. It is central to Levitical law, where contact with a **carcase** `{{H5038}}` results in ritual uncleanness. Anyone who touches or carries a **carcase** is considered unclean and must wash their clothes [[Leviticus 11:24-25]]. The word also serves as a stark symbol of divine judgment. The prophet Jeremiah repeatedly warns that the **carcases** `{{H5038}}` of the disobedient will be left unburied and become food for the birds and beasts of the earth ([[Jeremiah 16:4]], [[Jeremiah 19:7]]). Figuratively, the term is applied to idols, with the land being defiled by the "carcases of their detestable and abominable things" [[Jeremiah 16:18]]. However, in a message of hope, Isaiah prophesies a resurrection, stating, "together with my **dead body** `{{H5038}}` shall they arise" [[Isaiah 26:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of death and defilement associated with **nᵉbêlâh**:
* `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (to be foul... unclean): This word describes the state resulting from contact with a **nᵉbêlâh**. The law explicitly states that touching a **carcase** `{{H5038}}` causes one to be **unclean** `{{H2930}}` until evening [[Leviticus 11:24]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** (to inter... bury): Proper burial is the appropriate action for a dead body. In contrast, a sign of severe judgment is when a **carcase** `{{H5038}}` is not **buried** `{{H6912}}`, but left exposed [[Jeremiah 16:4]].
* `{{H3978}}` **maʼăkâl** (an eatable... food): As a consequence of judgment, the **carcases** `{{H5038}}` of the wicked are promised as **meat** `{{H3978}}` for scavenger birds and beasts ([[Deuteronomy 28:26]], [[Psalms 79:2]]).
* `{{H2966}}` **ṭᵉrêphâh** (prey, i.e. flocks devoured by animals): This term is often paired with `{{H5038}}` to describe animals forbidden for consumption, such as an animal that **dieth of itself** `{{H5038}}` or is **torn** `{{H2966}}` by predators [[Ezekiel 44:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5038}}` is significant, touching on themes of holiness, judgment, and redemption.
* **Ritual Defilement:** The **carcase** is a primary source of uncleanness in Levitical law. Contact with death separates an individual from the holy, requiring purification to be restored to the community ([[Leviticus 5:2]], [[Leviticus 11:40]]).
* **Sign of the Curse:** An unburied **carcase** `{{H5038}}` is a visible sign of God's curse and extreme dishonor. The fate of Jezebel, whose **carcase** `{{H5038}}` becomes like **dung** `{{H1828}}` on the field, illustrates this ultimate humiliation [[2 Kings 9:37]].
* **The Lifelessness of Idols:** By describing idols with a word for **carcase** [[Jeremiah 16:18]], scripture emphasizes their dead, powerless, and corrupting nature, contrasting them with the living God.
* **Promise of Resurrection:** Amidst the imagery of decay and judgment, [[Isaiah 26:19]] provides a profound counterpoint. The "dead body" `{{H5038}}` is mentioned in the context of resurrection, demonstrating that God's power extends even over death and decay to bring about new life.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5038}}` **nᵉbêlâh** is far more than a simple term for a dead body. It is a cornerstone of biblical laws on purity, a visceral symbol of divine judgment and dishonor, and a powerful metaphor for the deadness of idolatry. It establishes a stark boundary between life and death, holiness and defilement. Yet, through prophetic revelation, this potent symbol of decay is transformed into a subject of God's restorative power, pointing toward a future hope of resurrection where even a **carcase** can arise [[Isaiah 26:19]].
TRV