apparently from נָבָל and לָט; foolish secrecy; Neballat, a place in Palestine; Neballat.
Transliteration:Nᵉballâṭ
Pronunciation:neb-al-lawt'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5041}}` (Nᵉballâṭ) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology, as suggested by the base definition, is particularly intriguing, being "apparently from `{{H5036}}` (nābāl) and `{{H3909}}` (lāṭ); foolish secrecy." The root `{{H5036}}` (nābāl) signifies "foolish," "senseless," or "wicked," often implying a moral or spiritual deficiency rather than mere lack of intellect. The second component, related to `{{H3909}}` (lāṭ), conveys a sense of "secrecy," "hiddenness," or "private." Thus, the name itself might suggest a place associated with "foolish secrecy" or "hidden folly." For a geographical location, the "semantic range" is primarily its identity as a specific settlement, though its etymological roots may hint at historical characteristics or events that are otherwise unrecorded in Scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Neballat appears only once in the biblical text, found in the book of Nehemiah.
* [[Nehemiah 11:34]] lists Neballat among the towns reoccupied by the descendants of Benjamin after the Babylonian exile. The verse reads: "Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat." This passage details the resettlement efforts in Judah and Benjamin, specifically enumerating the villages and their inhabitants outside of Jerusalem. Neballat is mentioned alongside other towns like Lod (Lydda) and Ono, indicating its location in the Shephelah or coastal plain region, likely to the northwest of Jerusalem. The inclusion of Neballat in this list underscores its significance as one of the returned settlements, contributing to the re-establishment of the Judean presence in the promised land. While the text provides no narrative details about the town itself, its presence in this census attests to its existence and its role in the post-exilic restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed etymology of `{{H5041}}` connects it directly to two significant conceptual fields.
* **Foolishness/Folly (from `{{H5036}}` nābāl):** This root is prominent in the Old Testament, describing not merely intellectual deficiency but a moral and spiritual perversity that rejects God and His wisdom. The most famous example is Nabal, the husband of Abigail, in [[1 Samuel 25]], whose name itself means "fool." His actions are characterized by insolence, ingratitude, and a lack of understanding regarding divine providence. The concept of "foolishness" in this sense is often contrasted with wisdom and righteousness, highlighting a life lived apart from God's instruction.
* **Secrecy/Hiddenness (related to `{{H3909}}` lāṭ):** While `{{H3909}}` specifically means "secretly" or "privately" as an adverb, the underlying concept of hiddenness or concealment is present. This can range from neutral (e.g., private conversation) to negative (e.g., hidden sin or deceptive acts).
The combination of "foolishness" and "secrecy" in the etymology of Neballat might evoke ideas of hidden sin, concealed folly, or perhaps a place known for clandestine and unwise activities. However, it is crucial to remember that this is an etymological suggestion for a place name, and the biblical text itself does not elaborate on these potential connotations for the town of Neballat. Its primary biblical function is geographical identification.
### Theological Significance
Although Neballat is mentioned only once and without specific narrative detail, its inclusion in the list of resettled towns in Nehemiah 11 carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration:** The repopulation of the land after the Babylonian exile is a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness. He promised to restore His people to their land, and the meticulous listing of towns like Neballat demonstrates the fulfillment of this promise. Every reoccupied village, no matter how small or obscure, represents a step in God's redemptive plan for Israel.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over Geography and History:** The very act of naming and recording these places underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in His providential oversight of history and geography. Even a town whose name might suggest "foolish secrecy" is incorporated into the divine narrative of restoration, showing that God's plans encompass all aspects of creation, including human settlements and their historical nuances.
3. **The Importance of Community and Rebuilding:** The list in Nehemiah 11 highlights the communal effort of rebuilding Judah. Neballat represents one small but essential piece of the larger mosaic of the returned exiles re-establishing their lives and their worship in the land. It speaks to the collective obedience and perseverance of a people committed to God's call to rebuild.
### Summary
`{{H5041}}` (Nᵉballâṭ) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a town in ancient Palestine, whose name is etymologically suggested to mean "foolish secrecy." It appears only once in the biblical record, in [[Nehemiah 11:34]], where it is listed among the settlements reoccupied by the Benjaminites after the Babylonian exile. Despite its singular mention and lack of narrative elaboration, Neballat's inclusion in this census is theologically significant. It serves as a concrete detail affirming God's faithfulness in restoring His people to the Promised Land, His meticulous sovereignty over all places and events, and the communal effort involved in the post-exilic rebuilding of Israel. While its etymological meaning is intriguing, the primary biblical witness of Neballat points to its role as a geographical marker within the broader narrative of divine restoration.
TRV