נָבַע
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָבַע (nâbaʻ) primarily means 'to gush forth' or 'to pour out,' describing a forceful, abundant flow. In its literal sense, it refers to water bubbling up from a spring (Proverbs 18:4). Figuratively, it is used for the abundant, unrestrained utterance of words, whether good or bad. For example, it describes the heavens 'pouring forth' speech about God's glory (Psalm 19:2) and the righteous 'pouring forth' praise (Psalm 119:171), but also the wicked 'belching out' or 'pouring forth' evil and arrogant words (Psalm 59:7, Psalm 94:4). In one instance, it metaphorically describes emitting a foul odor (Proverbs 15:2).
Biblical Usage
נָבַע is used 11 times, predominantly in the poetic books of Psalms and Proverbs. Its usage consistently conveys a sense of abundant, often uncontrolled, emission. In Psalms, it describes both divine revelation 'gushing forth' from creation (Psalm 19:2) and the righteous 'pouring out' praise (Psalm 145:7), contrasted with the wicked 'belching out' evil speech (Psalm 59:7). In Proverbs, it is used for the flow of wisdom (Proverbs 1:23, 18:4) and, uniquely, for the mouth of fools 'gushing' folly (Proverbs 15:2).
Etymology
נָבַע is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the noun מַבּוּעַ (mabbuaʻ, H4726), meaning 'spring' or 'fountain,' and the noun נֶבַע (nebaʻ, H5043), meaning 'a bubbling spring.' The core concept is a natural, pressurized flow from a source, which extended metaphorically to speech and other emissions.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects the natural world's testimony of God with human speech and worship. The imagery of creation 'pouring forth' knowledge of God (Psalm 19:2) underscores divine revelation in nature. When applied to human speech, it highlights that what 'gushes' from the mouth—whether praise or wickedness—reveals the abundance of the heart (cf. Matthew 12:34). It emphasizes that true worship and wisdom are not sparse but should flow abundantly from a transformed inner life.
In an arid land like ancient Israel, a reliable, gushing spring (a מַבּוּעַ) was a vital source of life and a powerful image of abundance and blessing. This cultural reality deeply informs the metaphorical use of נָבַע. Speech or wisdom that 'gushes forth' is not a trickle but a life-giving, abundant, and continuous flow, much like a dependable water source. The negative use for 'belching' evil speech or folly draws on the same forceful, uncontrolled imagery but for something corrupting.
אָמַר (ʼāmar, H559) — a general term for 'to say' or 'speak,' without the connotation of abundant flow. דָּבַר (dāḇar, H1696) — 'to speak' or 'declare,' often with more focus on the content or act of speaking. שָׁפַךְ (shāphaḵ, H8210) — 'to pour out,' often used for liquids (like blood or water) or emotions (like wrath), overlapping with נָבַע in the 'pouring' metaphor but less specific to natural springs or speech.
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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