### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çabbâl**, represented by `{{H5449}}`, defines a **porter** or, more specifically, a **bearer of burdens**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, consistently referring to laborers engaged in physically demanding work. The term signifies a specific role within a large workforce tasked with carrying heavy materials for major construction projects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5449}}` is used exclusively in the context of monumental building efforts. King Solomon is recorded as having "threescore and ten thousand" men to act as **bearers of burdens** during the construction of the Temple ([[1 Kings 5:15]], [[2 Chronicles 2:2]], [[2 Chronicles 2:18]]). This massive workforce was essential for the project. Later, during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah, the difficulty of the task is emphasized by the cry that "The strength of the **bearers of burdens** is decayed" [[Nehemiah 4:10]]. The term also appears in a description of organized labor for Temple repairs, where Levites were assigned as overseers, scribes, officers, and **porters** [[2 Chronicles 34:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and function of the **çabbâl**:
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift, ... bear): This verb describes the fundamental action of the laborers in Solomon's workforce, who were organized to **bear** burdens [[1 Kings 5:15]].
* `{{H2672}}` **châtsab** (to cut or carve ... hew): Workers known as **hewers** are mentioned alongside the bearers of burdens, indicating a parallel group of laborers responsible for quarrying stone for the building projects ([[1 Kings 5:15]], [[2 Chronicles 2:2]]).
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word defines the ultimate purpose of the burden-bearers' labor. Their struggle is evident when they are not able to **build** the wall due to exhaustion and the amount of rubbish [[Nehemiah 4:10]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (vigor, ... strength): This term is directly linked to the physical capacity of the laborers, which is described as decayed during the strenuous task of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 4:10]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5449}}` is revealed through its application in key biblical events:
* **Monumental Labor:** The use of **çabbâl** in the accounts of Solomon's Temple construction highlights the immense human effort and scale of resources dedicated to building a house for the LORD ([[1 Kings 5:15]], [[2 Chronicles 2:2]]).
* **Organized Service:** The term is situated within a structured workforce that included overseers `{{H5329}}`, scribes `{{H5608}}`, and other specialized roles. This demonstrates that the bearers of burdens were part of an organized system of service `{{H5656}}` and work `{{H4399}}` [[2 Chronicles 34:13]].
* **Human Frailty in God's Work:** The Nehemiah account powerfully illustrates the theme of human limitation. The decay of the bearers' strength shows that even in a divinely appointed task, the physical toil and weariness of the workers is a significant reality [[Nehemiah 4:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5449}}` **çabbâl** is a practical term for a manual laborer tasked with carrying heavy loads. Its usage is consistently tied to nationally significant building projects, namely the first Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Through its context, the word underscores the immense human effort, organized structure, and physical frailty involved in accomplishing great works of service for God.
TRV