from עָבַר; a crossing-place; ferry, plain (from the margin).
Transliteration:ʻăbârâh
Pronunciation:ab-aw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root ʻābar (`{{H5674}}`), which fundamentally means "to pass over," "to cross," or "to go across." As a noun, ʻăbârâh denotes the *place* or *means* by which such a crossing is accomplished. Its semantic range primarily encompasses:
* **Crossing-place or Ford:** A specific location, often a shallow part of a river, where it is possible to traverse from one side to another. This emphasizes the geographical feature.
* **Ferry:** A boat or raft used to transport people or goods across a body of water. This highlights the instrumental means of crossing.
* **Passage or Way:** In a broader sense, it can refer to a path or route that facilitates movement through an area, sometimes implying a "plain" that is traversed, especially in contexts where it functions as a margin or boundary. This less common usage suggests a traversable expanse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are instructive:
* **[[2 Samuel 19:18]] (Hebrew 19:19):** "And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, when he was come over Jordan." In this passage, ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) clearly refers to a "ferry boat" or "ferry." The context is David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion, and the people are assisting him and his household in crossing the Jordan River. This instance emphasizes the practical, instrumental aspect of ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) as a means of transport across water.
* **[[Isaiah 30:32]]:** "And in every place where the appointed staff shall pass, which the Lord shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with them." Here, the translation of ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is less concrete than "ferry." Many versions render it as "passage," "crossing," or "the rod of punishment passes over." The context describes God's decisive action against Assyria. The "passing" of the Lord's staff signifies a divine traversal or movement through the land, indicating judgment and deliverance. This usage points to ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) as a more abstract "passage" or "way of crossing," rather than a physical ferry.
The distinct contexts illuminate the flexibility of ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`), from a tangible object facilitating movement to a more conceptual representation of divine movement or intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is part of a rich semantic field related to movement, transition, and boundaries in Hebrew:
* **ʻābar (`{{H5674}}`):** The foundational verbal root meaning "to pass over," "to cross," "to go through," or "to transgress." This verb is ubiquitous in the Hebrew Bible, describing physical journeys, the passing of time, and the crossing of moral or covenantal boundaries. ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is a direct nominalization of this action.
* **maʻăbār (`{{H4569}}`) and maʻăbārāh (`{{H4570}}`):** These are other nouns derived from ʻābar (`{{H5674}}`), both frequently translated as "ford" or "crossing-place." They are conceptually very close to ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`), often referring to the same type of geographical feature (e.g., the fords of the Jordan in [[Judges 3:28]]).
* **ʻēber (`{{H5676}}`):** This noun means "the region beyond," "the other side," or "across." It describes the spatial relationship relative to a crossing, emphasizing the destination or location reached after passing over.
* **Biblical Narratives of Crossing:** The concept of "crossing" is central to numerous pivotal events in biblical history, such as the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites (e.g., [[Exodus 14]]) and their crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land (e.g., [[Joshua 3]]). While ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) specifically denotes the *means* or *place* of crossing, it resonates with these larger narratives of divine guidance and transformative transitions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is found in its connection to divine providence, human agency, and God's active presence:
* **Divine Providence and Human Cooperation:** In [[2 Samuel 19:18]], the "ferry boat" is a mundane, human-provided means of transport. Yet, it facilitates King David's return, which is part of God's overarching plan for Israel. This illustrates how God often works through ordinary human efforts and practical provisions to accomplish His divine purposes. The "crossing-place" becomes a point where human activity and divine will intersect.
* **Passage as a Symbol of Transformation and Deliverance:** The very act of "crossing" in the Bible often symbolizes a transition from one state to another, frequently involving deliverance or the fulfillment of a promise. While ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) is the physical means, it implicitly connects to these greater themes. A crossing-place implies an obstacle overcome, a way made where there was none, reflecting God's power to create paths through difficulties.
* **God's Active and Decisive Movement:** The usage in [[Isaiah 30:32]] is particularly insightful. The "passage" of the Lord's staff signifies God's direct and powerful intervention in human affairs. It conveys a sense of divine momentum and irresistible force. God "crosses over" to execute His will, bringing judgment upon His enemies and deliverance to His people, often accompanied by manifestations of His glory and power. This suggests that even the "place of passage" can be imbued with divine purpose when God is at work.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`), derived from ʻābar (`{{H5674}}`), refers to a "crossing-place" or a "ferry." Its primary function is to denote the physical location or instrumental means by which one traverses a barrier, typically a body of water. Biblical occurrences demonstrate both its literal meaning as a "ferry boat" (e.g., [[2 Samuel 19:18]]) and a more abstract sense of a "passage" or "way of divine movement" (e.g., [[Isaiah 30:32]]). Theologically, ʻăbârâh (`{{H5679}}`) subtly underscores God's providence in enabling movement and transition, often through ordinary means. It also points to the active, decisive nature of God's intervention, as He "crosses over" to fulfill His purposes, whether in judgment or salvation, thereby facilitating the journey and transformation of His people.
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