from סָבַל; a porter; (to bear, bearer of) burden(-s).
Transliteration:çabbâl
Pronunciation:sab-bawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun çabbâl (`{{H5449}}`) is derived from the verbal root sābal (`{{H5445}}`), which fundamentally means "to bear," "to carry," "to lift," or "to endure." As a noun, çabbâl specifically designates the *person* who performs this action. Its primary meaning is "porter" or "bearer of burdens." This refers to an individual whose occupation or assigned task involves the physical transportation of heavy loads or materials. The term inherently implies strenuous physical labor and a functional role in moving objects, often within a larger construction or logistical framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term çabbâl (`{{H5449}}`) appears exclusively in the historical books, specifically within the context of King Solomon's massive building projects.
* **[[1 Kings 5:15]] (MT 5:29):** "And Solomon had seventy thousand bearers of burdens [çabbâl], and eighty thousand hewers in the mountains." This verse introduces the immense workforce conscripted by Solomon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The çabbâlîm are distinguished from the "hewers" (חֹצֵב, *ḥōṣēḇ*), indicating their specialized role in transporting the raw materials, such as quarried stone and timber, to the building sites. Their large number underscores the scale of the undertaking.
* **[[2 Chronicles 2:2]] (MT 2:1):** "And Solomon determined to build a house for the name of the LORD, and a house for his kingdom. And Solomon numbered seventy thousand men, bearers of burdens [çabbâl], and eighty thousand hewers in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers over them." This passage in Chronicles parallels the account in Kings, reaffirming the same numerical figures for the çabbâlîm and their role. It further clarifies the hierarchical structure, noting the presence of overseers, which suggests a highly organized, possibly compulsory, labor system.
* **[[2 Chronicles 2:18]] (MT 2:17):** "And he set seventy thousand men, bearers of burdens [çabbâl], and eighty thousand hewers in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers over them." This verse reiterates the same statistics and roles, emphasizing the consistent and significant contribution of the çabbâlîm to the monumental construction efforts under Solomon's reign.
In all instances, çabbâl refers to those engaged in the arduous physical task of carrying heavy construction materials. Their contribution was fundamental to the realization of the Temple and other royal buildings, highlighting a specific, demanding, and essential role within ancient Near Eastern building practices.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **sābal (`{{H5445}}`):** The verbal root of çabbâl, meaning "to bear," "to carry," or "to endure." This root is versatile, applying to carrying physical loads (e.g., [[Genesis 49:15]]) as well as bearing burdens of responsibility, suffering, or sin (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:11]]). The noun çabbâl specifically personifies the one who performs this action.
* **maśśā (`{{H4853}}`):** A common Hebrew word for "burden," "load," or "oracle." It denotes that which is carried, whether a literal physical weight or a metaphorical burden of responsibility or a prophetic message. The çabbâl is the one tasked with carrying the maśśā.
* **sēḇel (`{{H5447}}`):** Another noun derived from sābal, meaning "burden" or "load," often with a connotation of heaviness or oppression, particularly in the context of forced labor or tribute. The çabbâl is responsible for bearing the sēḇel.
* **Forced Labor (mas `{{H4522}}`):** The context in which çabbâlîm are mentioned in Solomon's reign often implies a system of conscripted labor or forced tribute (mas), where citizens or conquered peoples were compelled to contribute their physical effort to state projects. This highlights the non-voluntary and demanding nature of their work.
### Theological Significance
While çabbâl describes a secular occupation, its specific context within the building of the Temple imbues it with subtle theological resonance:
* **Human Labor in Divine Service:** The detailed accounting of the çabbâlîm underscores the essential role of human physical labor, even the most strenuous and seemingly mundane, in the accomplishment of divine purposes. The construction of the Temple, God's designated dwelling place, required immense human effort, illustrating that God often works through the diligent hands and toil of His people to bring His plans to fruition.
* **The Burden of Discipleship and Service:** The concept of "bearing burdens" resonates deeply throughout biblical theology. While çabbâl refers to literal physical loads, it can evoke the broader spiritual idea of bearing responsibilities, hardships, or even the burdens of others. This theme culminates in the New Testament with Christ, who is portrayed as the ultimate "burden-bearer" (cf. [[Isaiah 53:4-6]]), taking upon Himself the weight of humanity's sin and offering relief to those who are weary and heavy-laden (cf. [[Matthew 11:28-30]]).
* **Order and Diligence in Sacred Undertakings:** The meticulous organization of Solomon's vast workforce, including the specialized roles of çabbâlîm and their overseers, reflects a divine principle of order, efficiency, and diligent application in service. Even in grand human endeavors for God's glory, structure, and dedicated effort are paramount.
* **The Cost of Devotion:** The sheer number of çabbâlîm also implicitly points to the significant human cost and sacrifice involved in monumental projects, even those dedicated to God. It serves as a reminder that great achievements often require considerable exertion and dedication from many individuals, a reality to be acknowledged with reverence and humility.
### Summary
The Hebrew word çabbâl (`{{H5449}}`), meaning "porter" or "bearer of burdens," derives from the root sābal (`{{H5445}}`), "to bear" or "to carry." Its limited but significant occurrences in the Old Testament (e.g., [[1 Kings 5:15]], [[2 Chronicles 2:2]], [[2 Chronicles 2:18]]) consistently place it within the context of King Solomon's vast construction projects, particularly the building of the Temple. The çabbâlîm were essential laborers, tasked with the arduous physical work of transporting heavy materials. Theologically, the term highlights the necessity of human physical labor in the service of divine purposes, subtly echoing broader biblical themes of bearing burdens in service and the ordered diligence required for sacred undertakings, while also acknowledging the human cost and dedication involved in such grand endeavors.
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