a primitive root; to quaff to satiety, i.e. become tipsy; drunkard, fill self, Sabean, (wine-) bibber.
Transliteration:çâbâʼ
Pronunciation:saw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root çâbâʼ (H5433) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the act of drinking to satiety or excess, leading to intoxication. Its core meaning encompasses the idea of "quaffing" or "filling oneself" with drink to the point of being "tipsy" or fully "drunk." The various forms derived from this root can denote the state of being a "drunkard" or a "wine-bibber," emphasizing habitual or extreme indulgence. Unlike some terms that might describe a simple act of drinking, çâbâʼ inherently carries the connotation of overconsumption, often with negative implications regarding self-control and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring verbs in the Hebrew Bible, çâbâʼ (H5433) consistently appears in contexts that highlight the negative consequences of excessive drinking.
In [[Deuteronomy 21:20]], the term is used to describe a "stubborn and rebellious son" who is a "glutton and a drunkard" (וְסֹבֵא). Here, çâbâʼ is paired with gluttony, indicating a lack of discipline and self-control that contributes to a person's moral depravity and rebellion against parental and societal authority. This legal context underscores the severity with which such behavior was viewed within ancient Israelite society.
The prophetic books also employ çâbâʼ to depict the moral decay and impending judgment of the wicked. In [[Isaiah 56:12]], the prophet condemns the unrighteous leaders who say, "Come," they say, "let us get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink. And tomorrow will be like today, a day of greatness." (וְנִסְבְּאָה). This verse vividly portrays a mindset of self-indulgent revelry and a dangerous disregard for divine accountability, a characteristic often associated with those destined for divine wrath.
Similarly, [[Nahum 1:10]] uses a form of the root to describe the enemies of God's people: "For while they are entangled like thorns, and while they are drunk as with their drink, they will be consumed like stubble fully dry." (כְּסָבְאָם). Here, the drunkenness might symbolize their confused state, their revelry leading to their downfall, or their spiritual stupor that blinds them to the coming destruction. The image suggests a state of vulnerability and ultimate destruction brought about by their own actions and moral condition.
Across these contexts, çâbâʼ consistently points to a state of overindulgence in drink, which is linked to rebellion, moral corruption, and a precursor to judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding çâbâʼ (H5433) includes several other Hebrew terms related to drink and intoxication:
* `{{H3196}}` (yayin): The general term for "wine."
* `{{H7941}}` (shekar): Refers to "strong drink," often fermented beverages other than wine.
* `{{H7910}}` (shakar): A verb meaning "to be drunk" or "to become intoxicated," often used synonymously or in conjunction with çâbâʼ.
* `{{H7911}}` (shikkaron): A noun meaning "drunkenness" or "intoxication."
Beyond direct lexical relations, çâbâʼ is conceptually linked to:
* **Gluttony:** As seen in [[Deuteronomy 21:20]], it often accompanies excessive eating, pointing to a general lack of self-control over bodily appetites.
* **Rebellion and Disobedience:** The "drunkard" is often portrayed as one who disregards authority and divine commands.
* **Folly and Lack of Wisdom:** Intoxication impairs judgment, leading to foolish decisions and actions, contrasting with the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament.
* **Moral Decay and Debauchery:** Drunkenness is frequently a gateway to other sins and a sign of a society's spiritual decline.
* **Spiritual Stupor:** In prophetic literature, physical drunkenness can serve as a metaphor for spiritual blindness or insensitivity to God's word and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The consistent negative portrayal of çâbâʼ (H5433) in the Hebrew Bible underscores a clear theological stance against drunkenness and excessive indulgence. From a biblical perspective, intoxication represents a surrender of self-control and a departure from the sober-mindedness expected of God's people.
Theologically, drunkenness is seen as:
1. **An affront to God-given self-control:** Humans are called to exercise dominion over themselves and their appetites, reflecting God's order and wisdom. Drunkenness abrogates this responsibility.
2. **A source of folly and sin:** When judgment is impaired, individuals are more susceptible to other sins, bringing dishonor to God and harm to themselves and others.
3. **A characteristic of the unrighteous:** The "drunkard" is often depicted as part of a class of people who reject God's ways and are thus subject to His judgment. This contrasts with the call for believers to be vigilant and sober, as seen in the New Testament (e.g., [[1 Peter 5:8]]).
4. **A symbol of spiritual blindness or rebellion:** In prophetic contexts, excessive drinking can metaphorically represent a people's spiritual stupor or their deliberate choice to indulge in worldly pleasures rather than seek God.
Thus, the word çâbâʼ serves as a potent warning against the dangers of unrestrained indulgence, emphasizing the importance of temperance, discipline, and a clear mind for living a life that honors God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root çâbâʼ (H5433) precisely describes the act of drinking to excess, leading to intoxication or satiety. Its occurrences in the Old Testament consistently portray this behavior in a negative light, associating it with rebellion, moral corruption, and a state of unrighteousness that invites divine judgment. Çâbâʼ is often linked with gluttony and stands in stark contrast to the virtues of self-control, wisdom, and spiritual alertness advocated throughout Scripture. Theologically, the condemnation of çâbâʼ highlights the biblical emphasis on responsible living, the dangers of surrendering to carnal appetites, and the importance of maintaining a clear mind for obedience and spiritual discernment.
TRV