קֻבַּעַת

קֻבַּעַת

a goblet (as deep like a cover)

Definition

The Hebrew noun קֻבַּעַת (qubbaʻath) refers to a deep drinking vessel, specifically a goblet or cup. Its primary meaning is a bowl-shaped container used for drinking, likely with a rounded, deep form resembling a cover or dome. In its two biblical occurrences in Isaiah 51:17 and 51:22, the word is used metaphorically to represent a 'cup of staggering' or 'cup of wrath' that God's people must drink—the dregs or full contents of divine judgment. Thus, while the literal sense is a physical goblet, its biblical usage emphasizes the complete consumption of a bitter portion, symbolizing the full measure of punishment.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in Isaiah 51. It is used in a prophetic context to describe the 'cup of [God's] wrath' that Jerusalem drank (Isaiah 51:17) and from which she will be removed (Isaiah 51:22). The usage is consistently metaphorical, representing the full, intoxicating portion of divine judgment that leads to staggering and despair. No literal, physical descriptions of the vessel are given in the biblical text.

Etymology

Derived from the root קָבַע (qābaʻ, H6906), which means 'to dip up' or 'to draw (water).' This root conveys the action of scooping or ladling, which naturally relates to a deep vessel used for containing liquid. The noun form קֻבַּעַת specifically denotes the container itself, emphasizing its function as something that holds a measured quantity, often to the brim.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's judgment as a cup that must be fully consumed. In Isaiah 51, it underscores the completeness of the punishment endured by Jerusalem for her sin, but also the promise of its removal—a theme that connects to Christ drinking the 'cup' of wrath on behalf of believers (cf. Matthew 26:39). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the imagery of divine justice and substitutionary atonement in Scripture. In ancient Near Eastern culture, drinking from a shared cup, especially one filled to the brim, could symbolize accepting one's allotted fate or portion, whether of blessing or curse. The 'cup of wrath' was a known metaphor for divine judgment (e.g., in Babylonian and Egyptian texts). A deep goblet (qubbaʻath) implied no escape until the contents were entirely drained, reflecting the inescapable and total nature of the judgment depicted. כּוֹס (kôs, H3563) — a more general term for 'cup' or 'goblet,' used for both literal vessels and metaphorical cups (e.g., of blessing or wrath), without the specific connotation of depth or dregs. סֵפֶל (sēp̄el, H5592) — a 'bowl' or 'basin,' typically for washing or offering, not specifically for drinking a portion of judgment.

Word Details