יַבֹּק (yab.boq)
yab.boq
Jabbok
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Jabbok identifies a specific river that flows from the Gilead plateau into the Jordan River, situated roughly halfway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Hebrew etymology links the word to the root for "emptying," describing a stream that empties its waters into the larger river system. This geographical feature serves as a natural landmark in the biblical narrative, marking the eastern boundary of the land promised to Israel.
Its most significant appearance occurs in Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with a divine figure at this crossing point. The location is not merely scenic; it marks the turning point in Jacob’s life, where he transitions from being a deceiver to one who struggles with God and prevails. This event redefines his identity, leading to his new name, Israel.
Later biblical texts reference the Jabbok as part of the territorial boundaries for the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and sometimes as a border between Ammon and the Amorites. These references ground the spiritual drama in concrete geography, reminding readers that God’s encounters often happen in real places with real names.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jabbok means "emptying" or "pouring out," a fitting description for a river that empties its waters into the Jordan. In Genesis 32, this crossing point becomes the stage for Jacob’s most profound transformation. Alone and afraid, he wrestles with God through the night until his hip is struck and his identity is changed to Israel. This moment shows us that our deepest struggles are not obstacles to faith, but opportunities for divine encounter.
Later biblical texts mention Jabbok as a boundary marker for the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and as a border between Ammon and Amorite territory. These references ground spiritual drama in real geography, reminding us that God meets people in specific places with concrete names. The river serves as a natural landmark, marking the eastern edge of the promised land and highlighting how God’s promises unfold in history.
When we face our own "Jabbok" moments—times of fear, transition, or deep questioning—we can find comfort in Jacob’s story. God does not always remove the struggle immediately; sometimes He engages with us directly, reshaping our identity through persistence and reliance on Him. This encounter invites us to trust that even in our weakest moments, we are held by a God who changes us for His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jabbok4×
- the/ Jabbok2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַבֹּק֙2×
- יַבֹּ֣ק2×
- הַ/יַּבֹּ֖ק1×
- הַ/יַּבֹּ֔ק1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:24
Israel struck him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was fortified.
The Jabbok is cited here as the eastern boundary of Israel's conquest, showing its role as a territorial marker in military history.
-
Deuteronomy 3:16
To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and its border, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
Moses defines the inheritance for Reuben and Gad using the Jabbok as a clear border, emphasizing its importance in tribal land distribution.