or עֳבִי]; from עָבָה; density, i.e. depth or width; thick(-ness). Compare עָב.
Transliteration:ʻăbîy
Pronunciation:ab-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻăbîy (`{{H5672}}`), also appearing as ʻōbî, derives from the root ʻāḇāh (`{{H5674}}`), which conveys the sense of "to be thick, dense, or stout." Its core meaning revolves around physical density, thickness, or stoutness. The semantic range of ʻăbîy encompasses:
* **Thickness:** A general descriptor for the dimension of an object that is not thin.
* **Density:** Implying a compactness or solidity of material.
* **Depth or Width:** When referring to a specific dimension of a substantial object.
The word inherently suggests substantiality, robustness, or a significant physical dimension. It is closely related to ʻāḇ (`{{H5645}}`), which also denotes density, often in the context of thick clouds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻăbîy (`{{H5672}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in descriptive contexts related to physical dimensions:
* **[[1 Kings 7:26]] and [[2 Chronicles 4:5]]**: These parallel passages describe the immense "Sea of cast metal" (יָם מוּצָק) in Solomon's Temple. Here, ʻăbîy specifies its "thickness" (וְעֳבִי) as "a handbreadth" (טֶפַח). This detail emphasizes the colossal scale and substantial construction of this sacred furnishing, highlighting its durability and the preciousness of its material. The precision of the measurement underscores the detailed and magnificent craftsmanship dedicated to the sanctuary.
* **[[Job 15:26]]**: In a starkly different context, ʻăbîy is used metaphorically to describe the "thick bosses" (בְּעָבִי גַּבֵּי) of a shield. The verse depicts the wicked man defiantly charging against God, "with a stiff neck, with the thick bosses of his bucklers." Here, the "thickness" of the shield's bosses symbolizes an impenetrable, hardened, and arrogant resistance to divine authority. It speaks to a spiritual density and an unyielding will set against the Almighty.
* **[[Jeremiah 52:21]]**: This passage, describing the dimensions of the bronze pillars (יְכִין וּבֹעַז) from the Temple, states their "thickness" (וְעָבְיוֹ) was "four fingers" (אַרְבַּע אֶצְבָּעוֹת). Similar to the descriptions of the Sea, this detail underscores the massive and enduring nature of the Temple's architectural elements, signifying stability and permanence.
Across these occurrences, ʻăbîy consistently points to a significant physical dimension, whether literally describing the substantiality of temple furnishings or metaphorically portraying the density of human defiance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for ʻăbîy (`{{H5672}}`) is its root, ʻāḇāh (`{{H5674}}`), meaning "to be thick, dense, or stout." Other related terms and concepts include:
* **ʻāḇ (`{{H5645}}`)**: This noun, derived from the same root, typically refers to a "thick cloud" or "dense mass," often associated with theophany (e.g., God's presence in a thick cloud at Sinai, [[Exodus 19:9]]) or judgment. The connection highlights how physical density can be a metaphor for divine mystery or overwhelming power.
* **ʻōb (`{{H5670}}`)**: Another noun from the same root, meaning "thickness" or "denseness," as seen in the "thick darkness" over Egypt during the plagues ([[Exodus 10:22]]).
* **Substantiality and Solidity**: These concepts are inherent in the meaning of ʻăbîy, emphasizing the robust and enduring nature of objects, particularly in the context of sacred architecture.
* **Impenetrability and Resistance**: As seen in [[Job 15:26]], the word can convey a sense of being unyielding or hardened, whether physically or metaphorically.
### Theological Significance
While ʻăbîy (`{{H5672}}`) is primarily a descriptive term for physical attributes, its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it is used:
* **Divine Grandeur and Permanence**: In the descriptions of the Temple's furnishings ([[1 Kings 7:26]], [[2 Chronicles 4:5]], [[Jeremiah 52:21]]), the "thickness" of the bronze and pillars speaks to the immense resources, craftsmanship, and enduring nature of God's dwelling place. The substantiality of these elements reflects the glory, majesty, and permanence of the divine presence they housed. It signifies a structure built to last, a tangible testament to God's eternal covenant and His desire to dwell among His people. The physical density underscores the solidity and reliability of God's chosen place of worship.
* **Human Defiance and Hardness of Heart**: The metaphorical use in [[Job 15:26]] is profoundly significant. The "thick bosses" of the defiant man's shield symbolize a hardened heart and an unyielding, impenetrable resistance against God. This spiritual density represents a refusal to acknowledge divine sovereignty, wisdom, or justice. It highlights the futility of human strength or arrogance when pitted against the Almighty, suggesting a spiritual state that is resistant to divine truth and repentance.
Thus, ʻăbîy contributes to the biblical narrative by underscoring the importance of materiality in relation to the divine—both in the tangible structures consecrated to God and in the spiritual condition of humanity. It illustrates how even precise physical measurements can carry deep theological implications, pointing to divine attributes or revealing the state of the human heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻăbîy (`{{H5672}}`) denotes "thickness," "density," "depth," or "width," deriving from the root ʻāḇāh (`{{H5674}}`), meaning "to be thick." Its primary usage in the biblical text is to describe the physical dimensions of substantial objects. In the historical books, ʻăbîy meticulously details the impressive "thickness" of the monumental bronze structures within Solomon's Temple, such as the "Sea of cast metal" ([[1 Kings 7:26]], [[2 Chronicles 4:5]]) and the temple pillars ([[Jeremiah 52:21]]). In these contexts, ʻăbîy underscores the immense scale, enduring quality, and divine glory associated with God's dwelling place, signifying permanence and robust construction. Uniquely, in [[Job 15:26]], it is employed metaphorically to describe the "thick bosses" of a shield, representing the hardened, defiant stance of one who sets himself against God. This usage highlights a spiritual impenetrability and unyielding rebellion. Therefore, ʻăbîy serves to articulate both the tangible grandeur of sacred architecture—reflecting divine majesty—and, in a figurative sense, the spiritual density of human resistance, subtly imbuing physical descriptions with deeper theological resonance.
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