a primitive root; to be dense; be (grow) thick(-er).
Transliteration:ʻâbâh
Pronunciation:aw-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5666 (עָבָה, *ʻâbâh*) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning "to be dense" or "to grow thick(er)." Its semantic range primarily describes a physical state or process of increasing in mass, girth, or density. This can refer to an object becoming physically thicker, or a living being becoming heavier or more corpulent. While its most direct application is literal, the concept of "thickness" or "density" can also extend metaphorically to imply a dullness, insensitivity, or even an arrogant self-sufficiency, particularly when associated with prosperity or physical well-being. The root suggests a state of being substantial or weighty, which, depending on context, can be neutral, positive, or negative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H5666 itself is quite rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing notably in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]]. In this pivotal passage, which is part of the Song of Moses, the verb is used in a highly metaphorical sense to describe Jeshurun, a poetic name for Israel: "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick (וַתַּעַב), thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation."
Here, "grown thick" (וַתַּעַב, *vat-ta'av*, from H5666) is presented alongside "waxed fat" (from `{{H7786}}`, *shamen*) and "covered with fatness" (from `{{H3766}}`, *kasah* and `{{H2459}}`, *chelev*). The accumulation of these terms paints a picture of Israel's prosperity leading to spiritual arrogance and rebellion. The "thickness" here is not merely physical plumpness but symbolizes a spiritual dullness, a self-sufficiency born of abundance that causes them to forget and forsake God. It implies a hardening or insensitivity, where their prosperity made them dense to God's continued grace and their covenant obligations. The context is one of divine lament over Israel's apostasy, highlighting how material blessing can paradoxically lead to spiritual decline.
While the verb H5666 is limited, its semantic field is significantly expanded by the related noun H5670 (עָבֶה, *ʻâbeh*), which means "thick," "dense," or "heavy." This noun appears in various contexts, such as describing a "thick yoke" (e.g., [[1 Kings 12:10]], [[2 Chronicles 10:10]]), "thick boss of his bucklers" (`{{H5670}}` in [[Job 15:26]]), the "thick neck" of Behemoth (`{{H5670}}` in [[Job 40:10]]), or "thick clouds" (`{{H5670}}` in [[Ezekiel 10:3]], [[Ezekiel 10:18]]). These usages reinforce the literal sense of physical density, weight, or impenetrability, which in turn informs the metaphorical "thickness" of H5666 in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] as a state of spiritual imperviousness or stubbornness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "thickness" or "density" conveyed by H5666 and its derivatives is closely related to several other Hebrew terms:
* `{{H5670}}` (עָבֶה, *ʻâbeh*): The adjectival form derived from H5666, meaning "thick," "dense," or "heavy." As noted, this word extends the semantic range of the root to describe physical objects or states, such as a heavy yoke or thick clouds, which can metaphorically represent oppression or divine presence/mystery.
* `{{H7786}}` (שָׁמֵן, *shamen*): "To be fat," "grow fat." This verb is directly paralleled with H5666 in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]], emphasizing the physical prosperity that leads to spiritual arrogance.
* `{{H1879}}` (דָּשֵׁן, *dashen*): "To be fat," "prosperous." Similar to `{{H7786}}`, this term often denotes abundance and well-being, which can, as seen with H5666, be a spiritual snare.
* `{{H3513}}` (כָּבֵד, *kaved*): "To be heavy," "weighty," "honored," but also "dull" or "hard" (e.g., "heavy heart," "heavy ears"). This word shares the semantic range of physical weight and metaphorical dullness/stubbornness with H5666, particularly in contexts of a "heavy yoke" or a "hardened heart."
* `{{H6203}}` (עָרַף, *ʻarap*): "To break the neck," but the related noun `{{H6202}}` (עֹרֶף, *ʻoreph*) refers to the "neck" and is often used in the idiom "stiff-necked" (e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]]), conveying stubbornness and resistance, a concept akin to the "thickness" of Jeshurun's prosperity.
These related terms collectively highlight a biblical theme: physical abundance, weight, or density can often be a metaphor for spiritual dullness, stubbornness, and a turning away from God.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet profound, use of H5666 in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark warning about the spiritual dangers of unchecked prosperity. When Jeshurun (Israel) "grew thick," it was not merely a physical change but a spiritual condition of becoming unresponsive and ungrateful towards God. This "thickness" represents:
1. **Spiritual Insensitivity:** Prosperity led to a dulling of spiritual senses, making Israel impervious to God's commands and blessings. They became "thick-skinned" to divine correction and grace.
2. **Arrogance and Self-Sufficiency:** The abundance fostered a sense of independence from God, leading to pride and a belief that their success was self-generated rather than divinely bestowed.
3. **Rebellion and Apostasy:** The ultimate consequence of this "thickness" was forsaking God, the source of their life and blessing, and lightly esteeming the "Rock of their salvation."
This passage underscores a recurring biblical motif: the temptation to forget God in times of ease and plenty. It highlights that true spiritual health is not measured by material accumulation but by humility, dependence on God, and faithful obedience. The "thickness" of Jeshurun serves as a timeless theological cautionary tale, reminding believers across generations that spiritual vigilance is paramount, especially when blessed with abundance.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H5666 (עָבָה, *ʻâbâh*) fundamentally means "to be dense" or "to grow thick." Though rare in its verbal form, its most significant occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] powerfully illustrates a metaphorical "thickness" of spiritual dullness and arrogance. In this context, Israel's prosperity led to a state of being "thick" or unresponsive to God, resulting in rebellion and apostasy. This meaning is reinforced by the broader semantic field of its related noun `{{H5670}}` and other terms denoting physical weight, fatness, or spiritual stubbornness (e.g., `{{H7786}}`, `{{H3513}}`). Theologically, H5666 serves as a profound warning against the spiritual perils of material abundance, emphasizing that unchecked prosperity can lead to a hardening of the heart and a forsaking of divine covenant. It calls believers to cultivate spiritual humility and dependence on God, regardless of their material circumstances.
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