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אַבְרֵךְ

𐤀𐤁𐤓𐤊

ʼabrêk

H86 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain kneel, bow down, pay homage, submit ceremonially

Definition

An exclamatory imperative meaning 'kneel!' or 'bow down!', used to command someone to kneel or pay homage. It appears as a ceremonial or honorific command in a courtly setting. Used only once in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 41:43), it is best understood as an instruction or acclamation acknowledging the status or authority of an honored figure, rather than a simple description of the act of kneeling itself. The term carries connotations of public recognition or submission before a person of high rank.

Semantic Range

exclamation to kneel in respect; acclamation or command to show homage; formula denoting submission before a dignitary

Root / Etymology

The root is uncertain. While often linked to Hebrew ברך ('to kneel, bless'), prevailing scholarly opinion holds that it is likely of Egyptian origin, borrowed into Hebrew. The form and meaning suggest a Semitic imperative, but the lexeme is not otherwise attested in Hebrew. Thus, the precise Hebrew root is uncertain, and the traditional connection to ברך is etymologically unsubstantiated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word occurs only in Genesis 41:43 in the context of the Egyptian pharaoh commanding all to honor Joseph after his elevation to high office. The use as an acclamation suggests a formulaic or ceremonial purpose, akin to a court protocol. Later Jewish interpretive traditions often connect the word to Hebrew ברך ('to bless, to kneel'), but this is likely a secondary, folk etymology. Most modern scholars follow the ancient versions (notably the Septuagint rendering of 'make way') and Egyptological suggestions that connect it with Egyptian court customs of prostration or obeisance, emphasizing the Egyptian context of the narrative. English translations often render the word as 'bow the knee,' but the underlying meaning is more about ceremonial submission and recognition than simple physical kneeling.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably an Egyptian word meaning; kneel; bow the knee.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

uncertain (uncertain (possibly Egyptian loanword)) — kneel, bow down, pay homage, ceremonial submission

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1085 בִּלְדַּד Bildad
H1095 בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר Belteshatsar
H1114 בִּלְשָׁן Bilshan
H1150 בִּנְעָא Bin'a
H116 אֱדַיִן and then

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H86-01 אַבְרֵ֑ךְ averekhe HD Bow the knee! Kneel in homage! 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H86-01 Genesis 41:43 אַבְרֵ֑ךְ averekhe HD Bow the knee! Kneel in homage!
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