נָבַב

נָבַב

to pierce; to be hollow, or (figuratively) foolish

Definition

The Hebrew verb נָבַב (nâbab) carries both a literal and a figurative meaning. Its primary, literal sense is 'to be hollow' or 'to pierce,' describing the creation of a hollow or bored-out object, as seen in the construction of the bronze altar (Exodus 27:8, 38:7). Figuratively, it means 'to be foolish' or 'empty-headed,' describing a person devoid of understanding or wisdom, as when Zophar asks if a hollow man (אִישׁ נָבוּב) can become wise (Job 11:12). This figurative use connects physical emptiness to intellectual or moral vacuity.

Biblical Usage

נָבַב is used only four times in the Old Testament. In three instances (Exodus 27:8, 38:7; Jeremiah 52:21), it describes the physical, constructive process of making something hollow, specifically in the context of the tabernacle's bronze altar and the pillars of the temple. The fourth use (Job 11:12) is entirely figurative, applying the concept of hollowness to a foolish person who lacks insight. The usage is split between descriptive, technical contexts in Exodus/Jeremiah and a poetic, wisdom context in Job.

Etymology

נָבַב is a primitive root. It is related to the noun נָבִיב (naviv, H5012), meaning 'hollow' or 'wineskin,' emphasizing the core idea of emptiness. Cognates in other Semitic languages also point to meanings of piercing, hollowing out, or being foolish, suggesting this dual semantic field is ancient.

Semantic Range

This word offers a vivid metaphor for spiritual and intellectual condition. The figurative use in Job 11:12 presents a stark theological anthropology: a person can be 'hollow'—not just ignorant but fundamentally empty of true wisdom, which comes from God (Proverbs 1:7). This contrasts with the 'solid' or 'established' person founded on God's truth. Understanding this Hebrew metaphor enriches reading by connecting the physical craftsmanship of God's dwelling place (the hollow altar) with the internal state of those who approach Him. In its literal sense, the word reflects ancient Near Eastern metalworking and construction techniques for cultic objects, where creating hollow components (like altar panels or pillar capitals) was a practical design. The figurative leap from 'hollow object' to 'foolish person' was a natural cultural metaphor, equating a lack of physical substance with a lack of mental or moral substance, a concept also found in other wisdom literature. כָּסַל (kāsal, H3684) — to be foolish, stupid, or fatuous; implies dullness or sluggishness. סָכַל (sākal, H5528) — to be foolish; often implies acting wrongly or wickedly due to folly. בָּעַר (bāʿar, H1197) — to be brutish, stupid; emphasizes a lack of discernment, like an animal.

Word Details