אֵבֶה
𐤀𐤁𐤄
ʼêbeh
H16 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of water-dwelling plant, specifically papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), known for its tall, reedy stalks and association with aquatic environments such as the Nile delta. In its biblical context, the term refers to locations or vegetation where papyrus or similar plants grow, with possible connotations of swiftness or flexibility due to the plant's movement in the water.
Semantic Range
papyrus plant, water reed, aquatic growth, swift (by analogy to the plant's movement or flexibility)
Root / Etymology
From the root אָבָה, which in some contexts may carry the idea of 'bending, turning,' reflecting the flexible nature of papyrus stems. However, the relationship to the root is debated, and the word may also be a loanword due to the plant's association with Egypt and neighboring regions.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֵבֶה occurs only in Job 8:11, where it is paired with גֹּמֶא (gome), another word for reed or rush. The reference likely points to the Nile delta or similar wetland regions where papyrus is abundant. English translations often render the term simply as 'rush' or 'reed,' but the specific identification with papyrus provides a more precise botanical reference. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, papyrus was culturally significant for its uses in writing material, boats, baskets, and mats. The identity of the plant in ancient Israelite understanding was likely influenced by contact with Egypt, where papyrus was central. The semantic overlap between אֵבֶה and other reed terms (especially גֹּמֶא and קָנֶה) highlights the richness and specificity of Hebrew botanical vocabulary. Later Jewish, Christian, and English traditions sometimes generalized all such terms as 'reed' or 'rush,' which can obscure distinctions in the original context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אָבָה (in the sense of bending toward); the papyrus; swift.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אבה (ʾ-b-h) — to bend, to turn, to incline
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H14 | אָבָה | he was willing |
| H17 | אֲבוֹי | Ah, woe! |
| H34 | אֶבְיוֹן | man in want |
| H35 | אֲבִיּוֹנָה | the desire-arousing caper berry |
| H5666 | עָבָה | he was willing |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H16-01 |
אֵבֶ֑ה | eveh | HNcmsa |
of reed | papyrus reed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H16-01 |
Job 9:26 | אֵבֶ֑ה | eveh | HNcmsa |
of reed | papyrus reed |