from סָבַל; a load (literally or figuratively); burden, charge.
Transliteration:çêbel
Pronunciation:say'-bel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun סֵבֶל (transliterated *çêbel*, Strong's `{{H5447}}`) is derived from the verb סָבַל (*sābal*, `{{H5445}}`), which means "to bear," "to carry," or "to endure." Consequently, the core meaning of *çêbel* is "a load" or "a burden." Its semantic range extends from the literal, tangible weight carried by individuals or animals, to the figurative weight of oppression, responsibility, or heavy labor. It often denotes a difficult or onerous charge, whether imposed by others or undertaken by oneself. The word encapsulates the physical and emotional toll of carrying something heavy, implying toil, affliction, and hardship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *çêbel* appears predominantly in contexts describing the arduous conditions of servitude and oppression, particularly in the narrative of Israel's enslavement in Egypt.
In [[Exodus 1:11]], *çêbel* is used to describe the "burdens" or "forced labor" that the Egyptian taskmasters imposed upon the Israelites to afflict them. This highlights the oppressive nature of their servitude, a system designed to crush the spirit and body. The same oppressive "burdens" are referenced in God's promise of deliverance in [[Exodus 6:6-7]], where He declares His intent to "bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians." Here, *çêbel* signifies the totality of the Israelites' suffering under Pharaoh's heavy hand, emphasizing God's redemptive power to free His people from such oppressive loads.
Later biblical texts echo this theme of liberation from *çêbel*. [[Psalm 81:6]] poetically recounts God's deliverance of Israel from the "burden" of Egyptian labor: "I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the basket." This verse vividly portrays the physical relief from crushing work. The prophetic books also employ *çêbel* to speak of future deliverance from oppression. [[Isaiah 9:4]] declares, "For you have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor," foretelling a time of peace and freedom. Similarly, [[Isaiah 10:27]] prophesies, "His burden will be removed from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck," indicating a divine intervention that will alleviate the heavy load of foreign domination.
Beyond the context of state-imposed servitude, *çêbel* can also refer to the practical burdens of labor. In [[Nehemiah 4:17]], during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, it describes the "burdens" (building materials) carried by the laborers, who worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. This illustrates a literal load, yet still within a context of arduous and challenging work under threat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for *çêbel* is its root verb, `{{H5445}}` (*sābal*), meaning "to bear, carry, endure," which clearly establishes the noun's core semantic field. Other related terms and concepts include:
* **`{{H4853}}` (*maśśāʾ*):** Another common Hebrew word for "burden," often used for a physical load, but also for a prophetic "burden" or "oracle," signifying a weighty message.
* **`{{H3332}}` (*yōk*) and `{{H6006}}` (*ʿōl*):** Both refer to a "yoke," an implement placed on the neck of an animal or person to bear a load, directly symbolizing servitude and oppression. These are often found in parallel with *çêbel*.
* **`{{H3603}}` (*kābēd*):** An adjective meaning "heavy" or "weighty," which describes the nature of a *çêbel*.
* **Oppression and Slavery:** The contexts of *çêbel* frequently intersect with themes of forced labor, servitude, and the systematic oppression of a people.
* **Toil and Labor:** The word inherently conveys the effort and hardship associated with carrying heavy loads or performing demanding tasks.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The frequent mention of God removing or breaking the *çêbel* connects it strongly with the concept of divine intervention and redemption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *çêbel* is profound, particularly in its portrayal of God's relationship with His people and His response to human suffering.
Firstly, *çêbel* serves as a stark descriptor of the human condition under oppression and sin. The "burdens of the Egyptians" represent not only physical servitude but also the spiritual and emotional toll of being enslaved. This resonates with the broader biblical understanding of humanity's fallen state, often burdened by sin, fear, and the consequences of a broken world.
Secondly, and most significantly, *çêbel* underscores God's character as the compassionate Deliverer. The Exodus narrative, where *çêbel* is prominent, is foundational to Israel's identity and theology. God hears the groaning of His people under their *çêbel* and acts decisively to liberate them. This establishes a paradigm for divine redemption: God is one who sees affliction, enters into the suffering of His people, and removes their unbearable loads. This theme extends prophetically, promising future deliverance from various forms of *çêbel* through a divine agent.
Finally, while *çêbel* specifically refers to the heavy burdens of the Old Testament, it sets the stage for New Testament concepts of "rest" and "light burdens." The contrast between the heavy *çêbel* of the Law or worldly oppression and the "easy yoke" and "light burden" offered by Jesus ([[Matthew 11:28-30]]) highlights the ultimate spiritual deliverance from the weight of sin and striving. The removal of *çêbel* by God in the Old Testament foreshadows the ultimate freedom and rest found in Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סֵבֶל (*çêbel*, `{{H5447}}`) signifies a "load" or "burden," encompassing both literal physical weight and figurative oppression, responsibility, or hardship. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in the Exodus narrative, where it vividly describes the oppressive forced labor imposed upon the Israelites by the Egyptians. Later prophetic texts and Psalms continue this theme, portraying God as the one who breaks and removes these burdens, symbolizing divine deliverance from various forms of oppression and suffering. Theologically, *çêbel* powerfully illustrates the reality of human affliction and, more importantly, God's compassionate character as the Liberator who hears the cries of His people and acts decisively to remove their unbearable loads, offering freedom and rest.
TRV