a primitive root; to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid; bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour.
Transliteration:çâbal
Pronunciation:saw-bal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5445}}` (çâbal) is a primitive root carrying the fundamental meaning "to carry." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of bearing a physical load to the more figurative sense of enduring hardship, responsibility, or suffering. The definition highlights several key nuances:
* **Literal Carrying:** This is the most direct application, referring to the physical transportation of objects or burdens.
* **Figurative Bearing:** Beyond the physical, it denotes the bearing of a burden in a non-physical sense, such as the weight of responsibility, the endurance of affliction, or the carrying of a complaint.
* **Reflexive "Burdensome":** When used reflexively, it can imply that the act of carrying itself becomes burdensome, or that the one carrying is heavily burdened.
* **Specific "Gravid":** A highly specific application is "to be gravid" or pregnant, illustrating the carrying of a developing life within.
* **"Strong to Labour":** This phrase from the base definition points to the capacity or strength required for sustained effort in carrying or working.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5445}}` in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Physical Labor and Burden:** In contexts like [[Nehemiah 4:17]], the word describes those who "carried burdens" (çâbal) during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing the arduous physical labor involved. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 17:21-22]] uses `{{H5445}}` in the prohibition against "carrying a burden" on the Sabbath, underscoring the cessation of ordinary labor and commerce on the holy day.
* **Divine Care and Contrast:** A profound theological use is found in [[Isaiah 46:4]] where God declares, "Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry (çâbal) you." This contrasts sharply with the idols mentioned later in [[Isaiah 46:7]], which must *be carried* (çâbal) by their worshippers, unable to save or respond. Here, God is portrayed as the active, faithful Burden-Bearer for His people.
* **Endurance of Suffering:** While sometimes translated in other ways, the root can convey the idea of "bearing" or "enduring" suffering. In [[Job 7:13]], though the translation varies, the underlying sense of Job's "pains" or "complaint" relates to something he must bear or endure.
* **Strength for Work:** [[Psalm 144:14]] speaks of "our oxen [being] strong to labor (çâbal)," highlighting the capacity for sustained effort and productivity, often in the context of agricultural work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "carrying" or "bearing" in the Hebrew Bible often intersects with other significant terms and themes:
* **`{{H5375}}` (nāśāʾ):** This is a very common and broad verb meaning "to lift, carry, bear, take away." While `{{H5445}}` often emphasizes the *weight* or *effort* of carrying, `{{H5375}}` can be more general, encompassing lifting or simply taking something. Both words are used for carrying physical objects, but also for bearing sin, guilt, or responsibility.
* **`{{H6006}}` (ʿāmās):** Meaning "to load, lay a burden upon," this word often describes the act of placing a burden *on* someone or something, complementing `{{H5445}}` which describes the act of *carrying* that burden.
* **Yoke (`{{H5923}}` ʿōl; `{{H4132}}` môṭāh):** The concept of a yoke is intimately tied to bearing a burden, often symbolizing servitude, oppression, or the Law.
* **Affliction (`{{H6040}}` ʿōnî; `{{H6031}}` ʿānāh):** The experience of carrying a burden frequently leads to or is synonymous with affliction and suffering.
* **Divine Providence:** The theological concept of God carrying His people (as in Isaiah 46) is a powerful expression of His providence, care, and faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5445}}` is rich and multifaceted:
* **God as the Ultimate Burden-Bearer:** The use of `{{H5445}}` in [[Isaiah 46:4]] is profoundly significant. It contrasts the impotent idols that *must be carried* by their worshippers with the living God who *carries* His people from their beginning to their end. This portrays Yahweh as sovereign, compassionate, and eternally faithful, actively sustaining and preserving His creation. He is not a burden to be borne, but the One who bears the burdens of His people.
* **Humanity's Toil and Limitations:** The frequent use of `{{H5445}}` for physical labor and the carrying of burdens highlights the reality of human toil, the weight of responsibility, and the limitations of human strength. This underscores the need for divine intervention and rest.
* **The Sabbath Principle:** The prohibition against carrying burdens on the Sabbath (e.g., [[Jeremiah 17:21-22]]) is a theological statement about reliance on God. It teaches that true rest and provision come from Him, not from ceaseless human labor. It is a reminder to lay down the burdens of daily life and trust in God's sustaining power.
* **The Burden of Sin and Suffering:** While `{{H5445}}` is not primarily used for carrying sin in the same way as `{{H5375}}` (nāśāʾ), the concept of bearing a heavy load naturally extends to the spiritual burden of sin and its consequences. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of Christ bearing the sins of the world, taking upon Himself the ultimate burden for humanity's redemption.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5445}}` (çâbal) encapsulates the act of "carrying" in both its literal and profound figurative senses. It speaks to the arduous reality of human labor and the heavy weight of responsibility, affliction, and suffering that individuals bear. Crucially, the word also illuminates the unique character of Yahweh, who, unlike the idols of the nations, is not a burden to be carried but the compassionate, sovereign God who actively "carries" His people throughout their lives. Thus, `{{H5445}}` serves as a linguistic testament to both human limitation and divine faithfulness, underscoring the theological imperative of rest and reliance upon the true Burden-Bearer.
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