(only in the form סֻבָּל; from סָבַל; a load (figuratively); burden.
Transliteration:çôbel
Pronunciation:so'-bel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5448}}` (סֹבֶל, *çôbel*), appearing exclusively in the form סֻבָּל (*subbal*), denotes a "load" or "burden," specifically in a figurative sense. It is derived from the root verb `{{H5445}}` (סָבַל, *sābal*), which signifies "to bear, carry, or endure." While `{{H5445}}` can refer to the physical act of carrying, `{{H5448}}` emphasizes the oppressive and heavy nature of a burden, often implying hardship, toil, or affliction. Its singular usage underscores a profound concept of an unbearable weight from which only divine intervention can bring relief. The term evokes a sense of being weighed down, constrained, and exhausted by an external force or condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5448}}` (סֻבָּל, *subbal*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 81:6]]. The verse reads: "I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the basket." This verse is part of a divine oracle within a psalm that recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus from Egypt.
In this context, the "burden" (סֻבָּל) unequivocally refers to the severe and oppressive labor imposed upon the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt. The imagery of the "shoulder" being freed from the burden and "hands" released from the "basket" (דּוּד, `{{H1731}}`, likely referring to the basket used in brick-making or carrying heavy materials) vividly portrays the physical and emotional toll of slavery. God, speaking in the first person, declares His powerful intervention to alleviate this unbearable oppression. The use of `{{H5448}}` here emphasizes the crushing weight of their servitude, a burden so profound that only God Himself could remove it. It highlights the depth of Israel's suffering and the magnitude of God's redemptive act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of `{{H5448}}` is its root verb, `{{H5445}}` (סָבַל, *sābal*), "to bear, carry, endure." This root is used to describe bearing a load (e.g., [[Nehemiah 4:17]]), enduring affliction (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:4]]), or carrying responsibility.
Other Hebrew words that convey the concept of a "burden" include:
* `{{H5447}}` (סֵבֶל, *sebel*): Also derived from `{{H5445}}`, this noun can refer to a literal load or forced labor, often in the context of tribute or servitude (e.g., [[2 Kings 18:14]], [[Nehemiah 4:11]]). While very similar, `{{H5448}}`'s singular figurative use in a redemptive context gives it a distinct nuance.
* `{{H4853}}` (מַשָּׂא, *maśśāʼ*): A common term for a "load" or "burden," often used for a prophetic oracle (a "burden" of the Lord, e.g., [[Isaiah 13:1]]) or a physical load (e.g., [[Numbers 4:15]]).
* `{{H2888}}` (טֹל, *ṭōl*): Another term for a "burden" or "yoke," often implying oppressive servitude (e.g., [[Isaiah 9:4]]).
The concept of "burden" in the biblical narrative is often intertwined with themes of:
* **Oppression and Slavery:** As seen in the Exodus narrative.
* **Divine Deliverance:** God's consistent role in freeing His people from bondage.
* **Suffering:** The experience of hardship and affliction.
* **Yoke:** A common metaphor for servitude or teaching (e.g., [[Matthew 11:29-30]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H5448}}` in [[Psalm 81:6]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores the nature of God as the ultimate Deliverer from unbearable burdens. The Exodus, as the foundational act of redemption for Israel, serves as the paradigm for God's power to liberate His people from any form of oppressive "load."
This verse highlights:
1. **God's Compassion and Intervention:** He sees the suffering of His people and actively intervenes to remove their burdens. This is not merely an alleviation but a complete removal ("I removed his shoulder from the burden").
2. **The Futility of Human Effort Against Oppression:** The "burden" (סֻבָּל) of Egyptian slavery was so great that Israel could not free themselves. It required a sovereign act of God.
3. **The Promise of Freedom:** The removal of this burden signifies not just relief, but complete freedom and restoration, allowing the "hands" to be "freed" for other purposes, presumably for worship and service to God.
4. **A Redemptive Metaphor:** While literal in its historical context, the "burden" of Egypt serves as a powerful metaphor for any oppressive force that weighs down humanity, whether it be sin, injustice, or despair. God's act in the Exodus foreshadows His greater work of salvation.
### Summary
`{{H5448}}` (סֹבֶל, *çôbel*), appearing as סֻבָּל (*subbal*), is a rare but potent Hebrew term signifying an oppressive, figurative "burden" or "load." Its sole occurrence in [[Psalm 81:6]] powerfully describes the crushing weight of Israel's bondage in Egypt, from which God sovereignly delivered them. Derived from the verb `{{H5445}}` ("to bear"), `{{H5448}}` emphasizes the severity of the affliction and the complete inability of the burdened to free themselves. Theologically, this word highlights God's compassionate nature as the ultimate Deliverer, who actively intervenes to remove unbearable burdens and grant profound freedom, establishing the Exodus as the quintessential act of divine redemption.
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