דַּבֶּ֫שֶׁת (dab.be.shet)
dab.be.shet
hump
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun dabbešet refers specifically to the hump of a camel. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 30:6, where it describes the animals carrying loads through the southern desert regions.
This rare word highlights the physical reality of ancient trade routes. The camel’s hump, storing fat for endurance, was essential for survival in arid landscapes. By naming this feature, the text grounds its prophecy in the tangible struggles of merchants and travelers navigating harsh terrain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dabbešet points to the camel’s hump, a reservoir of fat that sustains life in harsh deserts. Isaiah uses this image to describe merchants carrying their wealth through difficult terrain. It reminds us that God sees the heavy burdens we carry and the resources we rely on for survival.
When we face seasons of uncertainty, we might wonder if our efforts are truly useful. This verse suggests that while human plans can seem complex or even futile, God remains sovereign over every journey. He understands the weight on our shoulders and the endurance required to keep moving forward.
Instead of worrying about whether our contributions matter, we can trust in a God who provides strength for the long road ahead. His grace is sufficient for every step, turning our heavy loads into opportunities for reliance on Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] hump of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דַּבֶּ֤שֶׁת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 30:6
The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people.
This verse uniquely identifies the camel's hump as the vessel carrying treasures to an unprofitable people, highlighting the futility of trusting in wealth rather than God.