עָבַת
𐤏𐤁𐤕
ʻâbath
H5686 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bind or weave together, to entwine or interlace (literally); by extension, to twist, entangle, or distort (as a metaphor for corrupting or perverting). The term primarily denotes the act of making something complexly entwined, whether physical cords or, figuratively, morals or judgments.
Semantic Range
to interlace, to entwine, to wrap around, to tangle, to pervert (morally or judicially), to confound or distort
Root / Etymology
Root עבת (ʿ-b-t) meaning 'to weave, intertwine, bind together.' The verb עָבַת derives from this root, and appears in forms that refer both to the physical action of intertwining (as in cords or ropes) and to metaphorical extensions of complexity or distortion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, עָבַת most often appears in poetic or metaphorical passages, such as Psalm 146:9, where it conveys the sense of something being entangled or twisted, sometimes with a negative moral connotation (i.e., to pervert or confound). The root is also associated with nouns referring to physical cords or twisted threads (e.g., עֲבֹת, 'cord, band'). The extension to 'pervert' or 'distort' reflects ancient metaphors of moral or judicial confusion as forms of entanglement. Unlike related roots such as קשר (q-sh-r, 'to tie, bind') or חבל (ḥ-b-l, 'to bind, to take as security'), עבת highlights the complexity and intertwining rather than a simple bond. English translations often render the figurative uses narrowly as 'pervert' or 'distort,' but the underlying image is more of entwinement or involution. Usage is rare and primarily poetic, found in Psalms or wisdom literature, and it does not appear in explicitly legal contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to interlace, i.e. (figuratively) to pervert; wrap up.
Bantu Hebrew
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עבת (ʿ-b-t) — entwining, weaving together, binding with cords
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5686-01 |
וַֽ/יְעַבְּתֽוּ/הָ | vayeabetuha | HC/Vpw3mp/Sp3fs |
they weave it together | they entwined her | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5686-01 |
Micah 7:3 | וַֽ/יְעַבְּתֽוּ/הָ | vayeabetuha | HC/Vpw3mp/Sp3fs |
they weave it together | they entwined her |