a primitive root; to cover, i.e. (figuratively) defraud; rob, spoil.
Transliteration:qâbaʻ
Pronunciation:kaw-bah'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H6906 (קָבַע, *qâbaʻ*) is a primitive root whose core meaning appears to be "to cover." From this fundamental sense, its semantic range extends figuratively to encompass actions of illicit appropriation, specifically "to defraud," "to rob," or "to spoil." The transition from a physical act of "covering" to a moral one of "defrauding" suggests the act of surreptitiously taking what belongs to another, perhaps by "covering" or concealing the true nature of the transaction, or by "covering" over the rights of the rightful owner. It implies not merely simple theft, but a more insidious act of depriving someone of their due, often through deception or a perversion of justice. Unlike a direct, overt act of stealing, *qâbaʻ* carries a nuance of wrongful appropriation that undermines trust or established order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Despite its potent meaning, H6906 is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice. However, its scarcity belies its significant impact in these specific contexts:
1. **[[Proverbs 22:23]]**: "For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them." (KJV, with "spoil" translating *qâbaʻ*). Here, the verb is used twice, highlighting a divine principle of retributive justice. The first instance describes the action of the oppressor who "spoils" or "robs" the vulnerable, particularly the poor or the afflicted. The second instance portrays Yahweh Himself as the one who will "spoil" or "rob" the oppressor. This demonstrates God's active role as the defender of the defenseless, ensuring that those who defraud others will themselves face divine judgment and loss. The context is one of social justice, where the Lord intervenes on behalf of those exploited.
2. **[[Malachi 3:8]]**: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings." (KJV, with "rob" translating *qâbaʻ*). This is perhaps the most famous occurrence of the word. In this prophetic indictment, God directly confronts the people of Israel, accusing them of defrauding Him. The nature of this "robbing" is explicitly defined as the withholding of tithes and offerings, which were stipulated as part of the covenant relationship. This is not a common theft of material goods, but a profound breach of covenant fidelity, a spiritual misappropriation of what is due to the Divine. It underscores the gravity of failing to honor God with one's substance, equating it with an act of robbery against the Creator Himself.
In both contexts, *qâbaʻ* signifies a serious act of illicit taking that violates established rights or divine ordinances, whether against the vulnerable in society or against God directly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6906 overlaps with several other Hebrew terms related to theft, injustice, and illicit gain, yet maintains its distinct nuance:
* **`{{H1590}}` (גָּנַב, *ganav*)**: The most common word for "to steal." It typically refers to the clandestine taking of property, often without the element of fraud or violence inherent in *qâbaʻ*.
* **`{{H7703}}` (שָׁדַד, *shadad*)**: Means "to devastate," "to spoil," "to plunder," often implying violent destruction or overwhelming force in taking. While *qâbaʻ* can be translated "spoil," *shadad* carries a stronger connotation of ruin and desolation.
* **`{{H2869}}` (חָמַס, *chamas*)**: Signifies "to do violence," "to wrong," or "to oppress." It often involves injustice and the forceful taking of rights or property, aligning with the oppressive aspect seen in [[Proverbs 22:23]].
* **`{{H6117}}` (עָשַׁק, *ʻashaq*)**: Means "to oppress," "to defraud," "to extort." This word is quite close in meaning to *qâbaʻ*, particularly in its sense of defrauding or taking unfairly from another, often from a position of power.
Conceptually, H6906 is deeply intertwined with themes of justice (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*), righteousness (צְדָקָה, *tsedaqah*), and covenant faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, *ʼemunah*). Its usage highlights actions that undermine these foundational pillars of biblical ethics and theology.
### Theological Significance
The rare but pointed occurrences of H6906 carry profound theological weight.
Firstly, the use of *qâbaʻ* in [[Proverbs 22:23]] establishes God as the ultimate defender of the oppressed. The Lord does not merely observe injustice but actively intervenes to reverse the effects of defrauding. This portrays a God of perfect justice who will not tolerate the exploitation of the vulnerable, and who will mete out precise retribution, "robbing" those who "rob." This principle underscores divine sovereignty over human affairs and the certainty of accountability.
Secondly, the accusation in [[Malachi 3:8]] that humanity can "rob God" is startling and deeply significant. It elevates the act of withholding tithes and offerings from a mere financial transgression to a direct assault on God's rightful claim and honor. This highlights that financial stewardship is not merely an economic matter but a spiritual and theological one, directly impacting the covenant relationship between God and His people. To defraud God is to deny His ownership, His provision, and His authority. It is a profound act of unfaithfulness that breaks the covenant and incurs divine displeasure. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and His expectation of complete devotion and obedience from His people in all areas of life, including their material possessions.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6906 (קָבַע, *qâbaʻ*), though appearing only twice in the biblical text, carries a potent and specific meaning: "to cover," extended figuratively to "defraud," "rob," or "spoil." Its core essence lies in the illicit appropriation of what rightfully belongs to another, often implying an element of deception or a subversion of justice. In [[Proverbs 22:23]], it describes the oppression of the poor and God's righteous retribution against the oppressor. Most notably, in [[Malachi 3:8]], it is used to accuse the people of Israel of "robbing God" by withholding their tithes and offerings, thereby underscoring the sacred obligation of covenant faithfulness in material stewardship. The word thus serves as a stark reminder of divine justice, God's defense of the vulnerable, and the profound seriousness of defrauding either man or God.
TRV