### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăbuddâh**, represented by `{{H5657}}`, is defined as **service**, **household**, or **store of servants**, deriving from a root meaning "something wrought." It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, where it specifically denotes a large staff as a component of wealth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H5657}}` is used to quantify the immense wealth of patriarchs. In the case of Job, his substance included a "very great **household**" [[Job 1:3]], listed alongside his thousands of sheep, camels, and oxen. This collection of assets established him as "the greatest of all the men of the east." Similarly, Isaac's prosperity included a "great store of **servants**" [[Genesis 26:14]], which, along with his flocks and herds, was so significant that it caused the Philistines to envy him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H5657}}` to provide a fuller picture of patriarchal wealth:
* `{{H7227}}` **rab** (abundant; great; many): This word directly modifies `{{H5657}}` in both of its occurrences, describing the **household** as "very great" [[Job 1:3]] and the **store of servants** as "great" [[Genesis 26:14]].
* `{{H4735}}` **miqneh** (property, but only livestock; cattle, flock, herd, possession): This term refers to the livestock assets that, along with the **household** `{{H5657}}`, constitute a person's total wealth. It appears as "substance" in Job's account [[Job 1:3]] and "possession" in Isaac's [[Genesis 26:14]].
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (beef cattle or an animal of the ox family; a herd): This word specifies a key type of livestock wealth mentioned in conjunction with the **household** `{{H5657}}`. It is translated as "oxen" for Job [[Job 1:3]] and "herds" for Isaac [[Genesis 26:14]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H5657}}` highlights several key concepts regarding wealth and status in the Old Testament.
* **A Measure of Greatness:** A large **household** or **store of servants** was a primary indicator of immense wealth and standing. It is listed as a key asset that contributed to Job being called "the greatest of all the men of the east" [[Job 1:3]].
* **Tangible Form of Substance:** `{{H5657}}` is presented as a concrete component of a person's "substance" (`{{H4735}}`) or "possession" (`{{H4735}}`), alongside livestock like flocks and herds ([[Genesis 26:14]], [[Job 1:3]]).
* **A Source of Influence and Envy:** The size of a person's workforce was a visible display of power. In the case of Isaac, his "great store of **servants**" was a direct cause for the Philistines' envy [[Genesis 26:14]], demonstrating its social impact.
### Summary
In summary, **ʻăbuddâh** `{{H5657}}` is a specific and concrete term for a large **household** or workforce. Though it appears only twice, its usage is consistent and significant. It functions as a key metric for patriarchal wealth, listed alongside livestock and possessions to define the substance of powerful men like Job and Isaac. The presence of a great **store of servants** [[Genesis 26:14]] was a definitive sign of prosperity and influence, establishing a person's high status in their society.
TRV