### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉbâlâh**, represented by `{{H5039}}`, denotes a profound moral deficiency described as **folly**, **villany**, or a **vile** act. It appears **13 times** in **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term stems from its masculine counterpart, `{{H5036}}` **nâbâl**, and signifies not simple foolishness, but a morally reprehensible wickedness or crime.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5039}}` frequently describes heinous acts committed "in Israel" that violate the nation's covenant with God. These include grievous sexual sins, such as the violation of Jacob's daughter [[Genesis 34:7]] and the actions condemned in the law [[Deuteronomy 22:21]]. It is also used to describe Achan's transgression of the covenant by taking the accursed thing [[Joshua 7:15]]. The term extends to personal moral character, as Abigail describes her husband Nabal, stating that "**folly** is with him" [[1 Samuel 25:25]]. The prophets use it to characterize the speech of evildoers and hypocrites [[Isaiah 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of moral folly and wickedness:
* `{{H5036}}` **nâbâl** (vile person, fool): The masculine root of `{{H5039}}`, denoting a wicked and impious person. A **vile person** `{{H5036}}` is one who speaks **villany** `{{H5039}}` [[Isaiah 32:6]].
* `{{H2154}}` **zimmâh** (lewdness, heinous crime): This word is used in parallel with `{{H5039}}` to describe a planned, wicked act. The crimes in Gibeah are described as both **lewdness** and **folly** [[Judges 20:6]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to play the whore): This act is explicitly defined as a type of `{{H5039}}`. The act of "folly in Israel" is "to **play the whore** in her father's house" [[Deuteronomy 22:21]].
* `{{H7489}}` **râʻaʻ** (do evil, do wicked): Describes the action associated with `{{H5039}}`, highlighting the evil nature of the deed, as when the master of the house pleads with the men of Gibeah not to "do so **wickedly**" by committing "this **folly**" [[Judges 19:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5039}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes.
* **Covenantal Defilement:** The recurring phrase "folly in Israel" ([[Genesis 34:7]], [[Joshua 7:15]]) designates acts that are not merely personal failings but profane the entire covenant community, demanding a response to purge the evil from their midst.
* **Grievous Moral Transgression:** `{{H5039}}` is reserved for severe moral and spiritual offenses that elicit outrage. These acts, such as sexual violence [[2 Samuel 13:12]] or breaking faith with God [[Joshua 7:15]], are presented as indefensible crimes that must be punished.
* **Wickedness of the Heart and Mouth:** The term connects wicked actions to a corrupt inner state and profane speech. The prophets describe how an evildoer's mouth speaks **folly** [[Isaiah 9:17]] and a vile person's heart works iniquity while their mouth utters **villany** [[Isaiah 32:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **nᵉbâlâh** `{{H5039}}` encapsulates a form of profound wickedness that goes beyond simple error. It represents a deliberate moral crime, a **folly** that defiles the individual and the community. Whether describing sexual immorality, the transgression of a divine command, or the profane speech of a wicked heart, the term underscores an act so vile that it demands severe consequences. It serves as a powerful descriptor for sin that violates the sacred standards of God's covenant people.
TRV