a primitive root; to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid; bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâbal**, represented by `{{H5445}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **carry** or be burdensome. It appears 9 times in 8 verses and is used both literally and figuratively to describe bearing a load, being strong for labor, or being weighed down. Its usage ranges from the physical toil of man and beast to the profound spiritual act of carrying sorrows and iniquities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Biblically, `{{H5445}}` is applied in several distinct contexts. In a literal sense, it describes the act of submitting to a physical load, as when Issachar "bowed his shoulder to **bear**" and became a servant [[Genesis 49:15]]. It is also used to depict idols that are lifeless and must be **carried** by their worshippers [[Isaiah 46:7]]. The word takes on a deeply theological meaning when applied to the suffering servant, who **carried** our sorrows [[Isaiah 53:4]] and will **bear** their iniquities [[Isaiah 53:11]]. In a contrasting divine promise, God declares He will **carry** His people through their entire lives [[Isaiah 46:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and nature of the burdens being borne:
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift, bear, carry, forgive): This word is used in parallel with **çâbal** and expands on the idea of bearing. It is used for God's promise to **bear** His people [[Isaiah 46:4]] and the servant who has **borne** our griefs [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity, sin): This term frequently defines the spiritual burden being carried. The people of Lamentations have **borne** the **iniquities** of their fathers [[Lamentations 5:7]], and the righteous servant shall **bear** their **iniquities** [[Isaiah 53:11]].
* `{{H4341}}` **makʼôb** (grief, pain, sorrow): This word describes the emotional and spiritual weight carried by the servant in Isaiah, who **carried** our **sorrows** [[Isaiah 53:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5445}}` is significant, highlighting key scriptural themes.
* **Divine Sustenance:** God's promise to **carry** Israel even to old age `{{H2209}}` and hoar hairs `{{H7872}}` establishes His role as a faithful, lifelong bearer of His people, culminating in His promise to **deliver** `{{H4422}}` them [[Isaiah 46:4]]. This stands in stark contrast to idols that must themselves be carried [[Isaiah 46:7]].
* **Vicarious Atonement:** The concept is powerfully illustrated in Isaiah's prophecy, where the servant **carries** the sorrows `{{H4341}}` and griefs `{{H2483}}` of others [[Isaiah 53:4]] and ultimately shall **bear** their iniquities `{{H5771}}` [[Isaiah 53:11]].
* **Bearing Consequences:** The word is also used to describe the consequences of sin and human action. The people in exile declare, "we have **borne** their iniquities" [[Lamentations 5:7]], showing the transfer of consequences across generations. Similarly, submitting to **bear** a load is linked to servitude [[Genesis 49:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5445}}` conveys the fundamental concept of bearing a heavy load. This ranges from the literal, such as oxen that are **strong to labour** [[Psalms 144:14]], to the deeply figurative, like a grasshopper becoming a **burden** in old age [[Ecclesiastes 12:5]]. Theologically, it distinguishes between the living God who **carries** His people [[Isaiah 46:4]] and the impotent idols that must be carried [[Isaiah 46:7]]. Ultimately, **çâbal** provides the framework for understanding the substitutionary work of the servant who **bears** the iniquities of many [[Isaiah 53:11]].
TRV