אֵ֫בֶה (e.veh)
e.veh
papyrus
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ebeh refers to a type of tall, hollow reed or papyrus plant. In the ancient Near East, this wetland grass was common along riverbanks and marshes, serving as a practical material for construction and weaving.
Its single biblical appearance in Job 9:26 uses the word to describe the swift passage of time. The text compares days fleeing like papyrus boats or reeds skimming across water, capturing a sense of lightness and rapid movement that highlights the fleeting nature of human life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ebeh refers to papyrus, a tall reed found along riverbanks in the ancient Near East. In Job 9:26, it describes days passing away like swift ships or reeds skimming across water. This image captures how quickly time moves when life feels out of control.
When you face seasons where everything seems to slip through your fingers, this word reminds you that your feelings are valid. Even the wisest people in Scripture acknowledged the fleeting nature of human life. You do not have to pretend that time stands still or that suffering is easy.
Instead, find comfort in knowing that God sees your struggle. While days may pass like reeds on a current, His presence remains steady. You can bring your questions and fears to Him, trusting that He holds your life even when it feels unstable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵבֶ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Job 9:26
They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey.
This verse uses the word to compare the swift passage of days to papyrus boats skimming across water, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human life.