from סָבָא; potation, concretely (wine), or abstractly (carousal); drink, drunken, wine.
Transliteration:çôbeʼ
Pronunciation:so'-beh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5435}}` (çôbeʼ) is a noun derived from the verb `{{H5433}}` (sābāʼ), which means "to drink deeply," "to carouse," or "to soak." Consequently, `{{H5435}}` encompasses a dual semantic range:
1. **Concrete:** It can refer to a "potation" or "wine" itself, signifying a drink, particularly an alcoholic one. This usage focuses on the substance.
2. **Abstract:** It can also denote the act or state of "carousal" or "drunkenness," implying excessive consumption and the resulting revelry or intoxication. This usage emphasizes the consequence or atmosphere.
The word inherently carries connotations of indulgence, often beyond mere sustenance, leaning towards excess or celebratory drinking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5435}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its limited occurrences are contextually rich:
* In [[Deuteronomy 29:6]], `{{H5435}}` is used in a passage recounting God's miraculous provision for Israel during their wilderness wanderings: "You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you might know that I am the LORD your God." Here, `{{H5435}}` (translated as "wine") denotes a common agricultural product and staple drink that was absent, highlighting God's supernatural sustenance (manna and water) without conventional provisions. The context underscores divine faithfulness and Israel's absolute dependence on YHWH.
* In [[Nahum 1:10]], the word takes on a distinctly negative and metaphorical sense in a prophecy against Nineveh: "For though they be like tangled thorns, and like their drink (çôbeʼ) be drunken, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry." In this verse, `{{H5435}}` (translated as "their drink" or "drunken") refers to the state of intoxication or carousal, symbolizing the moral corruption and self-destructive behavior of the Assyrians. Their "drunkenness" implies a state of spiritual stupor and vulnerability, making them ripe for divine judgment and complete destruction, likened to dry stubble consumed by fire.
These two occurrences demonstrate the word's capacity to refer both to a literal drink and, more significantly, to the state of being overcome by drink or excess, often with negative implications.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** `{{H5433}}` (sābāʼ): The direct verbal root, meaning "to drink deeply" or "to carouse," clearly underpins the noun's meaning, particularly its association with immoderate consumption.
* **Other Words for Wine/Strong Drink:**
* `{{H3196}}` (yayin): The most common Hebrew word for "wine," used broadly.
* `{{H7941}}` (shēkār): "Strong drink," often referring to fermented beverages other than grape wine. `{{H5435}}` is distinct from these as it can emphasize the *act* or *state* of drinking, not just the substance.
* **Concepts of Intoxication:**
* `{{H7937}}` (shikkōr): "Drunkard" (noun) or "drunk" (adjective).
* `{{H7937}}` (shikkārôn): "Drunkenness" (noun).
* While these terms explicitly describe the state or person, `{{H5435}}` captures the "carousal" or "potation" that leads to such a state, often implying the entire context of excessive revelry.
* **Feasting and Revelry:** In its abstract sense, `{{H5435}}` connects to the broader biblical themes of feasting and revelry, which, when excessive or lacking in spiritual discernment, can lead to moral decay and divine displeasure (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:11-12]], [[Amos 6:4-7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H5435}}` is multifaceted, touching upon divine providence, human dependence, and the consequences of sin.
* In [[Deuteronomy 29:6]], the absence of "çôbeʼ" (wine) serves as a powerful testament to God's miraculous provision and His desire to cultivate complete reliance in His people. It highlights that God can sustain His chosen ones outside of conventional means, teaching them that true life and sustenance come from Him alone, not from earthly provisions. This emphasizes a theological principle of divine sufficiency and human humility.
* In [[Nahum 1:10]], `{{H5435}}` functions as a stark symbol of spiritual and moral debauchery. Nineveh's "drunkenness" represents their self-indulgence, lack of control, and spiritual blindness, which ultimately renders them vulnerable to God's righteous judgment. This usage aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of drunkenness as a vice that leads to sin, impairs judgment, and invites divine wrath (e.g., [[Proverbs 23:20-21]], [[Isaiah 28:7-8]]). It underscores the principle that unchecked indulgence and moral corruption lead to destruction.
Thus, `{{H5435}}` encapsulates both the providential care of God in providing for His people and His unwavering justice against those who succumb to the destructive path of excess and sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5435}}` (çôbeʼ), derived from `{{H5433}}` (sābāʼ) "to drink deeply," carries a dual meaning: concretely "potation" or "wine," and abstractly "carousal" or "drunkenness." Its limited but impactful biblical occurrences provide significant theological insight. In [[Deuteronomy 29:6]], it signifies a common provision withheld by God to demonstrate His miraculous sustenance and to foster Israel's complete dependence on Him. Conversely, in [[Nahum 1:10]], `{{H5435}}` metaphorically describes the self-destructive "drunkenness" and moral corruption of Nineveh, highlighting the spiritual stupor that precedes divine judgment. Theologically, `{{H5435}}` therefore serves as a poignant reminder of God's sovereign provision and the severe consequences of human indulgence and spiritual negligence.
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