נָבֵל
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively, to despise
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָבֵל (nâbêl) describes a state of withering or falling away, both physically and morally. Its primary sense is the wilting or fading of plants, as seen in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous are contrasted with the wicked who 'wither' like chaff. Figuratively, it extends to human failure, folly, or moral decay, such as in Deuteronomy 32:15, where Israel 'grew fat and kicked' and 'lightly esteemed' (נָבֵל) God. In a causative sense, it means to treat something as worthless or to disgrace, as in 2 Samuel 22:46, where enemies 'fade away' in defeat.
Biblical Usage
נָבֵל appears 21 times across various literary contexts, including narrative, poetry, and wisdom literature. It is used for physical withering (Job 14:18; Psalm 37:2), moral or spiritual folly (Deuteronomy 32:15; Proverbs 30:32), and the humiliation of enemies (2 Samuel 22:46; Psalm 18:45). In Exodus 18:18, it describes Moses wearing himself out. The word is most frequent in the Psalms and poetic books, emphasizing transience and human frailty.
Etymology
As a primitive root, נָבֵל is likely related to the idea of drooping or falling. It shares a connection with נֵבֶל (nēḇel, H5035), meaning 'skin-bottle' or 'harp,' possibly from a sense of something that sags. Cognates in other Semitic languages also suggest meanings of fading or withering, reinforcing its core concept of decline.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays human transience and moral failure in contrast to God's permanence. It underscores themes like the fleeting nature of the wicked (Psalm 1:3-4), the folly of pride (Deuteronomy 32:15), and the ultimate humiliation of God's enemies. Understanding נָבֵל enriches reading by highlighting the Bible's imagery of spiritual vitality versus decay, reminding believers of dependence on God to avoid 'withering.'
In an agrarian society, the imagery of withering plants (Psalm 1:3) would resonate deeply, symbolizing vulnerability to drought and death. The concept of 'disgracing' or being 'lightly esteemed' (Deuteronomy 32:15) reflects honor-shame dynamics, where failing to honor God was a grave social and moral breach. This cultural lens amplifies the word's impact beyond mere physical description.
אָבַל (ʾāḇal, H56) — to mourn or lament, focusing on grief rather than withering. יָבֵשׁ (yāḇēš, H3001) — to dry up or wither, often used for plants or water sources, without the moral connotations. כָּשַׁל (kāšal, H3782) — to stumble or fall, emphasizing physical or moral failure but not fading. בּוֹשׁ (bôš, H954) — to be ashamed, related to disgrace but more focused on emotional shame.
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.
Full methodology & sources →