מְבוֹאָה
a haven
Definition
The Hebrew noun מְבוֹאָה (mᵉbôwʼâh) refers to a place of entry or access, specifically a haven or harbor. It is used in Ezekiel 27:3 to describe Tyre as a 'perfect one in beauty' and a 'merchant of the peoples for many coastlands,' with its location being 'at the entry of the sea' (בִּמְבוֹאֹת יָם). This context emphasizes a maritime gateway—a secure, navigable port where ships enter and find safety. As the feminine form of מָבוֹא (mābôw', H3996), which broadly means 'entrance' or 'coming in,' this term narrows the focus to a coastal entry point, contrasting with other uses of the root that refer to land entrances like city gates.
Biblical Usage
This word occurs only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 27:3. It is used in a prophetic oracle against Tyre, a major Phoenician seaport. The context is a lament describing Tyre's commercial dominance and strategic location 'at the entry of the sea,' highlighting its role as a maritime gateway and safe harbor for trade. The singular usage underscores Tyre's unique identity as a premier haven in the ancient Near Eastern world.
Etymology
מְבוֹאָה is the feminine form of the masculine noun מָבוֹא (mābôw', H3996), meaning 'entrance' or 'coming in.' Both derive from the root בּוֹא (bw', H935), meaning 'to come in' or 'to enter.' The feminine form often carries a more specific or concrete sense, here specifying a place of entry—a haven. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic, show similar roots for 'entering,' confirming its basic meaning related to access.
Semantic Range
In Ezekiel 27:3, מְבוֹאָה is part of a prophecy against Tyre, illustrating God's judgment on human pride and economic exploitation. Tyre's identity as a 'haven' symbolizes its security and prosperity, which the prophet declares will be judged. This enriches Bible reading by showing how God evaluates nations not just for moral failings but for arrogance rooted in strategic advantage. The word highlights themes of divine sovereignty over trade routes and human achievements.
In the ancient Near East, a haven like Tyre was crucial for maritime trade, offering protection from storms and pirates. Tyre's location 'at the entry of the sea' made it a hub for commerce across the Mediterranean, influencing regional economies. Understanding this cultural context clarifies why Ezekiel targets Tyre's pride—its security as a haven led to self-sufficiency and defiance of God. This differs from modern ports by emphasizing the haven's role in national identity and divine judgment narratives.
מָבוֹא (mābôw', H3996) — a broader term for any entrance or entryway, not specifically maritime. נָמֵל (nāmēl, H3220) — a general term for a harbor or port, used in 1 Kings 9:26. חוֹף (ḥôp̄, H2348) — refers to a shore or coast, as in Genesis 49:13, without the connotation of a safe entry point.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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