מַבּוּעַ
mab.bu.a (H4002)
spring
AI Word Study
# מַבּוּעַ (mab.bu.a): A Biblical Spring The Hebrew word *mabbua* refers to a spring—a natural source of water flowing from the ground. Based on its three occurrences in the biblical text, this term denotes a specific geographical feature rather than a general water source. The word appears rarely in Scripture, suggesting it was either a specialized term or simply one of several Hebrew words available to describe flowing water sources. The rarity of *mabbua* in the biblical record (only three instances) indicates limited but purposeful usage. When the term appears, it marks specific locations or contexts where identifying a natural spring was important to the narrative or descriptive purpose. This precise vocabulary choice suggests the biblical authors distinguished between different types of water sources—springs, wells, rivers, and other aquatic features—each with appropriate terminology. For ancient audiences, springs held practical significance as reliable water sources in arid regions. The specific use of *mabbua* to denote springs reflects the importance of such natural features to settlement patterns, travel routes, and survival in the ancient Near East. The word's limited biblical occurrence does not diminish its importance; rather, it highlights that ancient writers selected terminology deliberately when geographic or hydrological details mattered to their accounts.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them: for he who has mercy on them will lead them. He will guide them by springs of water.