אֵבוּס (e.vus)
e.vus
crib
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ebus refers to a feeding trough or crib, specifically a container for livestock. It appears in only three verses across the Old Testament, primarily within poetic and prophetic literature such as Job, Proverbs, and Isaiah. The word denotes the physical object itself rather than the act of feeding.
In its biblical usage, ebus serves as a concrete image of provision or lack thereof. For instance, it appears in Job 39:11 when God asks if He will provide pasture for the wild donkey, linking the animal’s sustenance to this simple vessel. Similarly, Isaiah 1:3 uses the concept to contrast human understanding with animal instinct, noting that even an ox knows its owner and a donkey its master’s crib, highlighting a basic recognition of care.
Translators typically render ebus as "manger" or "feeding trough," depending on the context. While often associated with the nativity story in popular imagination, the specific term used in Luke 2:7 is different; however, the concept remains consistent across traditions. The word emphasizes the humble, practical nature of animal husbandry in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ebus describes a simple feeding trough, a humble vessel that holds sustenance for livestock. In ancient Israel, this everyday object reminded people of God’s provision and their own dependence on Him. It is not a symbol of grandeur but of basic care, grounding spiritual truths in the reality of daily life.
Isaiah 1:3 uses this image to highlight a striking contrast. Even an ox recognizes its owner and a donkey knows where its food comes from, yet God’s people often fail to acknowledge His faithful presence. This word invites us to reflect on our own awareness of the One who provides for our needs.
When we feel overwhelmed or disconnected, ebus reminds us that recognition of care is a fundamental instinct. We are invited to look at the simple provisions in our lives and see them as gifts from God, fostering a heart of gratitude rather than entitlement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- feeding trough/ your1×
- [the] feeding trough of1×
- [the] feeding trough1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵב֣וּס2×
- אֲבוּסֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 1:3
The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know. My people don’t consider.”
This verse uses the donkey's recognition of its master's crib to sharply contrast animal instinct with Israel's spiritual blindness, emphasizing that knowing God is a basic expectation for His people.
-
Job 39:9
“Will the wild ox be content to serve you? Or will he stay by your feeding trough?
Here the feeding trough represents the wild donkey's sustenance, illustrating God's sovereign care even for creatures that do not serve humans, highlighting His provision beyond human utility.
-
Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
The clean crib signifies stagnation and lack of productivity, showing that while order is nice, true increase comes only through the strength and work of the ox, linking provision to effort.