טָבַע
to sink
Definition
The Hebrew verb טָבַע (ṭâbaʻ) primarily means 'to sink' or 'to drown,' describing a downward motion into a liquid or soft substance. In a literal sense, it refers to objects or people sinking, such as Pharaoh's chariots sinking into the Red Sea (Exodus 15:4) or a stone sinking into a giant's forehead (1 Samuel 17:49). Figuratively, it conveys being overwhelmed or engulfed, as in the psalmist's cry of sinking in deep mire (Psalm 69:2, 14). In some contexts, like Job 38:6, it carries the sense of being set or fastened, as a cornerstone is sunk into its place.
Biblical Usage
טָבַע is used 10 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. Its literal usage dominates, describing sinking in water (Exodus 15:4, Jeremiah 38:6) or soft ground (Psalm 69:2, 14). The figurative use for being overwhelmed appears in Psalms and Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 8:25, describing the earth's foundations being sunk). A unique usage in Job 38:6 applies it to the 'sinking' or setting of a cornerstone, implying stability. Most occurrences are in poetic texts (Psalms, Job, Proverbs), emphasizing metaphorical depth.
Etymology
טָבַע is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian ṭabā'u ('to sink') and Arabic ṭabaʻa ('to stamp, impress'), suggesting an original sense of pressing or plunging downward. The Hebrew meaning developed to specifically emphasize sinking into a substance, whether liquid or soft earth.
Semantic Range
This word enriches understanding of divine judgment and human desperation. In Exodus 15:4, the sinking of Pharaoh's army demonstrates God's decisive victory over evil. In Psalms (e.g., 9:15, 69:2), sinking symbolizes the psalmist's cry from overwhelming distress, pointing to reliance on God for rescue. The concept in Job 38:6 of foundations being 'sunk' highlights God's sovereign ordering of creation. Thus, טָבַע connects themes of judgment, lament, and cosmic stability, revealing God's power in both overthrowing enemies and establishing order.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, sinking into water or mire was a common metaphor for disaster and helplessness, as many livelihoods depended on stable ground and safe waters. The image of drowning enemies, as in Exodus 15:4, would resonate as a powerful act of divine intervention, contrasting with modern, less water-dependent anxieties. The reference to a sinking stone in 1 Samuel 17:49 reflects the practical use of slingstones in warfare, where penetration was key.
שָׁקַע (shāqaʻ, H8257) — to sink or subside, often implying a settling down; more neutral. טָבַח (ṭābaḥ, H2873) — to slaughter; distinct but sometimes confused due to similar spelling. בּוֹא (bôʼ, H935) — to come or go; can contextually imply entering water, but less specific.
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 →