### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qôbâh (`{{H6897}}`) is derived from the root qāḇaḇ (`{{H6895}}`), which carries meanings such as "to curse," "to pierce," or "to hollow out." The primary semantic connection for qôbâh is to the "hollow" aspect of its root, defining it as the "abdomen" or "belly" – specifically, the internal cavity of the body. Its core meaning is therefore the physical trunk or lower abdomen. While it literally refers to an anatomical region, its use in scripture imbues it with broader implications related to physical vulnerability, appetite, and the consequences of actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qôbâh (`{{H6897}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, each offering unique insights into its usage:
* **[[Numbers 25:8]]**: "And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman, through her belly." In this dramatic account, Phinehas, in his zeal for the Lord, executes an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were engaged in an act of sexual immorality and idolatry. The piercing "through her belly" (qôbâh) signifies a fatal, decisive blow to a vital part of the body. Here, qôbâh emphasizes the physical vulnerability of the body and serves as the site of swift divine judgment against sin, illustrating the severity of God's wrath against unholiness.
* **[[Proverbs 13:25]]**: "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want." This proverb presents a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The "belly of the wicked" (qôbâh) here represents their physical appetite and desires, which are never truly satisfied. Unlike the righteous, whose "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh, `{{H5315}}`) finds contentment and satisfaction, the wicked are perpetually driven by an unfulfilled hunger, symbolizing their spiritual emptiness and the futility of their pursuits. This usage highlights qôbâh as the seat of physical, often carnal, desires that fail to bring true fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קָבַב (qāḇaḇ) (`{{H6895}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to curse," "to pierce," or "to hollow out." The connection of qôbâh to a "hollow" cavity is direct. The "piercing" aspect also resonates strongly with the context of qôbâh in [[Numbers 25:8]], where a physical piercing occurs.
* **בֶּטֶן (beṭen) (`{{H990}}`)**: A much more common Hebrew word for "belly," "womb," or "body." While qôbâh specifically denotes the abdominal cavity, beṭen has a broader semantic range, often referring to the womb as the source of life, or metaphorically to the innermost being or the "heart" of a matter. qôbâh tends to emphasize the physical, anatomical aspect more directly than beṭen.
* **מֵעִים (mê'îm) (`{{H4578}}`)**: This term refers to "bowels" or "intestines" and is often used metaphorically for deep emotions, compassion, or the innermost being. While related to the internal organs, qôbâh is less about the specific viscera and more about the general abdominal region as a whole.
* **Concepts**: Vulnerability, mortality, physical desire, appetite, judgment, and the contrast between physical and spiritual satisfaction.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of qôbâh (`{{H6897}}`) nonetheless carry significant theological weight. In [[Numbers 25:8]], the piercing of the qôbâh serves as a visceral depiction of divine judgment. It underscores the vulnerability of the human body to God's righteous wrath and the swift, decisive consequences of sin. This act, sanctioned by God, emphasizes the sanctity of His covenant and the severe repercussions for those who defile it.
In [[Proverbs 13:25]], qôbâh takes on a metaphorical role, representing the carnal appetites and worldly desires of the wicked. The theological insight here is profound: a life driven by physical gratification and material pursuits (the "belly of the wicked") is inherently unsatisfying and leads to perpetual want. In contrast, the righteous find true contentment and satisfaction in their "soul," implying a spiritual fulfillment that transcends physical needs. This highlights a critical biblical theme: the spiritual state of one's being dictates their true satisfaction, contrasting with the emptiness of a life consumed by fleshly desires. qôbâh thus functions as a symbol of the limitations and ultimate dissatisfaction of a life focused solely on the physical realm.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qôbâh (`{{H6897}}`) denotes the "belly" or "abdomen," stemming from the root qāḇaḇ (`{{H6895}}`), which implies a "hollow" or "pierced" cavity. Though infrequent in scripture, its two occurrences offer profound theological insights. In [[Numbers 25:8]], the piercing of the qôbâh powerfully illustrates divine judgment and the physical vulnerability of humanity in the face of God's righteous wrath. Conversely, [[Proverbs 13:25]] employs qôbâh to represent the insatiable physical appetites of the wicked, contrasting them with the spiritual satisfaction found by the righteous. Thus, qôbâh serves as a potent term, highlighting themes of mortality, divine reckoning, and the critical distinction between the fleeting desires of the flesh and the enduring contentment of the spirit.
TRV