or עָבוֹת; from עָבַת; intwined, i.e. dense; thick.
Transliteration:ʻâbôth
Pronunciation:aw-both'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻâbôth (עָבֹת), also appearing as ʻâbôwth (עָבוֹת), derives from the verbal root ʻâbath (עָבַת), which means "to intertwine," "to weave," or "to bind." Consequently, ʻâbôth primarily denotes a state of being "intertwined," "dense," or "thick." It conveys the idea of compactness, substantiality, or impenetrability that results from interwoven or closely packed elements. Its semantic range includes:
* Physical thickness or density, as of branches or clouds.
* Compactness or closeness, as in a dense thicket.
* An implied sense of strength or solidity, stemming from its interwoven structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ʻâbôth in the Old Testament, while few, are highly evocative and contribute significantly to the theological understanding of the passages.
* **Thick branches/boughs:** In [[Ezekiel 17:23]], the word describes the "thick branches" of a majestic cedar, under which all kinds of birds are said to dwell. This imagery portrays a flourishing, robust, and protective entity, symbolizing a secure and thriving kingdom established by God. The thickness here implies fullness and strength.
* **Thick clouds/darkness:** In a profound depiction of divine presence, ʻâbôth is used to characterize the "thick clouds" or "dark waters" that form God's secret dwelling or pavilion ([[2 Samuel 22:12]], [[Psalm 18:11]]). This usage emphasizes the density and impenetrability of God's immediate environment, signifying His transcendence, His awe-inspiring hiddenness, and His sovereign control over natural elements. It echoes the "thick darkness" in which God descended upon Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 20:21]]).
* **Dense thicket/wood:** In [[Jeremiah 4:29]], ʻâbôth refers to a "thick forest" or "dense thicket" into which people flee in the face of an invading army. Here, the word highlights the impenetrability and concealment offered by dense vegetation, serving as a desperate refuge or hiding place.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root ʻâbath (עָבַת):** The verbal root from which ʻâbôth is derived, meaning "to interweave," "to bind," or "to twist." This connection fundamentally underscores the idea that the "thickness" or "density" of ʻâbôth results from an intricate intertwining.
* **sābāk (סָבָךְ) `{{H5440}}`:** This Hebrew word also translates to "thicket" or "dense growth," notably used in the account of the ram caught in the thicket in [[Genesis 22:13]]. While sābāk focuses more on the entanglement of branches, ʻâbôth emphasizes the sheer *thickness* or *density* that such intertwining creates.
* **ʻānān (עָנָן) `{{H6051}}`:** "Cloud." ʻâbôth frequently modifies ʻānān to describe the *density* or *profundity* of the clouds associated with divine manifestation.
* **ḥōshek (חֹשֶׁךְ) `{{H2822}}`:** "Darkness." ʻâbôth is used to describe "thick darkness," emphasizing its profound and often awe-inspiring nature, particularly in contexts of divine presence.
* **Concepts of Divine Hiddenness and Majesty:** The use of ʻâbôth in relation to God's dwelling in thick clouds or darkness links it directly to biblical themes of God's unapproachable holiness, His transcendent power, and the mysterious nature of His glory, as seen at Sinai or in the Temple dedication ([[1 Kings 8:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâbôth primarily resides in its application to the divine presence and the natural phenomena through which God reveals or conceals Himself.
* **Divine Transcendence and Awe:** When ʻâbôth describes the "thick clouds" as God's pavilion ([[2 Samuel 22:12]], [[Psalm 18:11]]), it powerfully conveys His transcendence and the unapproachable, awe-inspiring nature of His glory. This is not a hiding born of weakness, but a manifestation of overwhelming power and majesty that human perception cannot fully grasp. It reinforces the biblical motif of God dwelling in "thick darkness" ([[Exodus 20:21]]) as a sign of His ineffable holiness.
* **Divine Protection and Provision:** In the context of the "thick branches" of a majestic cedar ([[Ezekiel 17:23]]), ʻâbôth symbolizes the security, robust growth, and shelter provided by God's established order. This points to God's ability to nurture, sustain, and protect those under His care.
* **Divine Judgment and Concealment:** The "thick forest" as a place of flight ([[Jeremiah 4:29]]) can subtly allude to the consequences of sin leading to a need for concealment, or the overwhelming nature of divine judgment that compels people to seek refuge.
In essence, ʻâbôth points to a state of substantiality, density, or impenetrability, which in a theological context often underscores the profound, weighty, and overwhelming aspects of God's being, His actions, and His majestic presence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻâbôth (עָבֹת), derived from the root ʻâbath ("to intertwine"), fundamentally means "thick," "dense," or "intertwined." Its semantic range encompasses physical density, compactness, and an implied sense of strength or substantiality. In biblical usage, ʻâbôth vividly describes the robustness of "thick branches" ([[Ezekiel 17:23]]), the impenetrable nature of "thick clouds" or "darkness" associated with God's awe-inspiring presence ([[2 Samuel 22:12]], [[Psalm 18:11]]), and the density of a "thick forest" offering concealment ([[Jeremiah 4:29]]). Theologically, ʻâbôth powerfully communicates God's transcendence, His unapproachable majesty, and the profound, weighty nature of His glory, often manifested through dense and overwhelming phenomena. It also subtly conveys themes of divine protection and the substantiality of God's sovereign hand.
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