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עָב

𐤏𐤁

ʻâb

H5646 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עב to be thick, to be dense, to mass together

Definition

A mass or thick layer, especially as it relates to dense atmospheric phenomena such as a thick cloud or, by extension, a thick architectural element. In architectural contexts, refers specifically to a massive, overhanging part, such as an architrave or capital, that shades or covers the tops of columns. The meaning extends metaphorically to anything characterized by density or heaviness, whether a physical object (beam, branch, plant) or a cloud in the sky.

Semantic Range

thick cloud, dense mass, overhanging architectural feature (architrave, capital), thick branch or growth, heaviness or obscurity; by extension, anything characterized by density or mass

Root / Etymology

Root ע–ב (‘ayin–bet), signifying density, thickness, or massiveness; the root meaning is 'to be thick, dense, massive,' and the noun is adapted to various contexts where this trait applies (clouds, architectural elements, plant growth). The noun עָב probably represents a primitive term referring generally to a thick mass; later, its architectural use as an architrave is a metaphorical extension.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עָב most frequently refers to thick clouds or masses obscuring vision or light, often with a sense of heaviness or density. Less commonly, it designates other dense structures, such as architectural features (architraves, capitals) that 'cover' or 'shade' columns. The word occurs primarily in poetic and prophetic literature when describing meteorological phenomena, emphasizing the impenetrable or awe-inspiring nature of the mass. In later periods, the term appears in technical architectural descriptions—a semantic development rooted in the core idea of 'thickness' or 'density.' English translations may render the word as 'cloud,' 'architrave,' 'beam,' or 'thicket,' depending on the context, but may not always convey its sense of overwhelming or enveloping mass. Its usage is distinct from other Hebrew terms like עָנָן (ʿanān) or שָׁחַק (shaḥaq) which refer to more generic clouds or atmospheric features; עָב denotes a particular density or concentration.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or עֹב; from an unused root meaning to cover; properly, equivalent to עָב; but used only as an architectural term,; an architrave (as shading the pillars); thick (beam, plant).

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Root Family

עב (ʿ-b) — thickness, density, massiveness

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5646-01 וְ/עָ֖ב veav HC/Ncmsa and thick beam and a dense mass 2
H5646-02 וְ/הָ/עֻבִּֽים vehaubim HC/Td/Ncmpa and-the-beams and the thick masses 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5646-01 1 Kings 7:6 וְ/עָ֖ב veav HC/Ncmsa and thick beam and a dense mass
H5646-01 Ezekiel 41:25 וְ/עָ֥ב veav HC/Ncmsc and-thick-plank and a dense mass
H5646-02 Ezekiel 41:26 וְ/הָ/עֻבִּֽים vehaubim HC/Td/Ncmpa and-the-beams and the thick masses
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