The meaning of “עָב”
Understanding ʻâb reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(masculine and feminine); from עוּב clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare עֲבִי. - properly, an envelope,...
עָב
(masculine and feminine); from עוּב clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare עֲבִי. - properly, an envelope, i.e. darkness (or density, 2 Chronicles 4:17) - specifically, a (scud) cloud - also a copse 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 19:9 | “And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord.” Word: עָב (ʻâb) | |
| 2 Samuel 23:4 | “And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” Word: עָב (ʻâb) | |
| 2 Chronicles 4:17 | “In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.” Word: עָב (ʻâb) | |
| Psalms 77:17 | “The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.” Word: עָב (ʻâb) | |
| Ecclesiastes 11:4 | “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” Word: עָב (ʻâb) |