probably from an unused root in the literal sense of entangling; a spider (as weaving a network); spider.
Transliteration:ʻakkâbîysh
Pronunciation:ak-kaw-beesh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עַכָּבִישׁ (`{{H5908}}`, akkâbîysh) refers specifically to a "spider." Its etymology is suggested to derive from an unused root conveying the literal sense of "entangling." This etymological connection directly points to the spider's characteristic activity of spinning a web, a intricate network designed to ensnare. Thus, the core meaning is not merely the creature itself, but implicitly carries the connotation of its primary function: weaving, ensnaring, and by extension, that which is woven. The semantic range of this word is quite narrow, being exclusively applied to the arachnid, but its metaphorical usage in the biblical text expands its conceptual significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עַכָּבִישׁ (`{{H5908}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in a metaphorical context that highlights the fragility and futility associated with the spider's web.
1. **[[Job 8:14]]**: In the discourse of Bildad the Shuhite, he describes the hope of the godless: "Whose confidence is fragile, and whose trust is a spider's web." Here, the spider's web serves as a powerful metaphor for something utterly insubstantial, easily broken, and incapable of providing true support or security. The "confidence" (מִבְטָח, `{{H4009}}`) and "trust" (בֵּיתוֹ, literally "his house" or "security") of the wicked are depicted as being as flimsy and unreliable as a spider's delicate silken threads. It suggests that any hope or security built upon unrighteousness is inherently unstable and destined to collapse.
2. **[[Isaiah 59:5]]**: The prophet Isaiah condemns the wicked practices of the people, stating, "They hatch vipers' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats of their eggs dies, and from what is crushed a viper breaks out." In this passage, the "spider's web" is again a metaphor for the works or schemes of the wicked. Just as a spider's web is intricate but ultimately useless for clothing or shelter, so too are the elaborate plans and deeds of the unrighteous. Their "weaving" (יַאֲרְגוּ, from אָרַג, `{{H707}}`, "to weave") produces nothing of lasting value or righteousness. Instead, their efforts result in death and destruction (symbolized by the vipers). The web, though skillfully made, cannot cover them (Isaiah 59:6), indicating their inability to provide themselves with righteousness or justice.
In both contexts, the spider's web functions as a symbol of human effort that is characterized by fragility, futility, and a lack of substance, particularly when contrasted with divine steadfastness or true righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The metaphorical use of עַכָּבִישׁ (`{{H5908}}`) evokes several related conceptual themes and terms:
* **Fragility and Instability:** The primary association. This concept is often conveyed by words like הֶבֶל (`{{H1892}}`, *hevel*, "vapor, vanity, futility") or ר֫וּחַ (`{{H7307}}`, *ruach*, "wind, breath," also used for emptiness).
* **Futility and Worthlessness:** The idea that human endeavors apart from God are ultimately unproductive. This aligns with terms describing things that are easily destroyed or consumed, such as קַשׁ (`{{H7036}}`, *qash*, "stubble, chaff").
* **Traps and Snares:** While the spider's web is not explicitly called a trap in these verses, its inherent function as an ensnaring device is implied. Related terms include פַּח (`{{H6341}}`, *paḥ*, "trap, snare") or מוֹקֵשׁ (`{{H4170}}`, *moqesh*, "snare, trap").
* **Works and Deeds:** Especially in Isaiah, the web represents the actions and plans of the wicked (מַעֲשֶׂה, `{{H4639}}`, *ma'aseh*, "work, deed"). The contrast is drawn between their corrupt works and the righteous deeds (צֶדֶק, `{{H6664}}`, *tzedeq*, "righteousness") that truly cover or justify.
* **Confidence and Trust:** In Job, the spider's web is juxtaposed with true confidence and security (בָּטַח, `{{H982}}`, *bāṭaḥ*, "to trust, be confident").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עַכָּבִישׁ (`{{H5908}}`) and its web lies in its powerful symbolism of human frailty, the deceptive nature of sin, and the ultimate futility of relying on anything other than God.
In Job, the spider's web serves as a stark reminder that any "hope" or "security" built upon human wisdom, self-righteousness, or worldly possessions is as insubstantial and easily shattered as a delicate web. It underscores the biblical truth that true confidence rests solely in the steadfastness and power of the Creator, not in fleeting human constructs. The godless, by their very nature, build on a foundation that cannot endure, leading to inevitable collapse and disillusionment.
In Isaiah, the metaphor extends to the very "works" of the wicked. Their elaborate schemes and actions, though perhaps appearing intricate or clever, are akin to weaving a spider's web: they produce nothing that can genuinely clothe them (i.e., provide righteousness or cover their shame) or bring forth justice and peace. Instead, their efforts lead to spiritual death and societal corruption. This highlights God's judgment on human self-sufficiency and moral depravity. The web, while a marvel of natural engineering, is presented as a symbol of human ingenuity misdirected towards evil, ultimately yielding only emptiness and destruction.
The consistent use of the spider's web in both texts serves as a divine commentary on the nature of human endeavors apart from God: they are fragile, futile, and incapable of providing true security, righteousness, or life. It implicitly calls for a turning away from such vain pursuits and a turning towards the enduring and righteous work of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַכָּבִישׁ ({{H5908}}`), "spider," appears in the Bible primarily as a metaphorical device to describe the spider's web. In [[Job 8:14]], the spider's web symbolizes the extreme fragility and unreliability of the godless person's confidence and trust. Their hope is depicted as easily broken and providing no true security. In [[Isaiah 59:5]], the "weaving of the spider's web" represents the intricate yet utterly futile and destructive works of the wicked. These works, born of unrighteousness, can neither cover nor justify, but instead lead to death and corruption. Across both biblical occurrences, the spider's web serves as a potent theological symbol of human endeavors that are marked by inherent instability, futility, and a lack of enduring substance when disconnected from divine truth and righteousness. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the vanity of human self-reliance and the imperative to place trust and build one's life upon the unshakeable foundation of God.
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