מַבּוּל (mab.bul)

mab.bul

flood

H3999 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 12 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 12 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun mabbul refers to a catastrophic flood or deluge. In the biblical text, it appears twelve times, primarily in Genesis and Psalms, always pointing to the specific event that submerged the earth under water for about a year during Noah’s time.

Unlike generic words for rain or rivers, this term carries the weight of total destruction and divine judgment. It describes a global submersion rather than a local overflow, marking a unique moment in history where the waters covered the entire planet. This distinction helps readers understand why the narrative emphasizes survival on the ark as the only means of preservation.

The word’s usage underscores the seriousness of the event. When Psalms recall the mabbul, they remember God’s power over creation and the reliability of His covenant promises. The term anchors the story in a historical reality that shaped Israel’s understanding of God’s justice and mercy.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word mabbul describes a catastrophic flood that submerged the earth during Noah’s time. It appears twelve times in Scripture, mostly in Genesis and Psalms. This term carries the weight of total destruction and divine judgment, marking a unique moment where waters covered the entire planet. Unlike local rains, this was a global event that shaped Israel’s understanding of God’s justice.

When Psalms recall the mabbul, they remember God’s power over creation and the reliability of His covenant promises. Genesis 9:11 records God’s pledge: “There will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” This assurance anchors our faith in a historical reality that demonstrates both seriousness and mercy. The story reminds us that survival comes through trust in divine provision, much like Noah entering the ark.

Christians have understood this passage to mean that God’s judgment is real, but so is His commitment to preserve life. Whether read as a literal historical account or as pointing to deeper spiritual realities, the text highlights God’s sovereignty over chaos. This hope invites us to rest in His faithful promises, knowing He remains King forever, even when waters rise.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ flood9×
to the/ flood1×
and/ the/ flood1×
a flood1×
<into>/ a flood1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הַ/מַּבּֽוּל\׃3×
הַ/מַּבּ֑וּל2×
מַבּ֖וּל1×
לַ/מַּבּ֣וּל1×
לְ/מַבּ֔וּל1×
וְ/הַ/מַּבּ֣וּל1×
הַ/מַּבּֽוּל\׃\ \פ1×
הַ/מַּבּ֥וּל1×
הַ/מַּבּ֛וּל1×
הַ/מַּבּ֔וּל1×

Key Verses

Genesis 6:17
I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die.

This verse introduces the mabbul as God’s direct action to destroy all flesh, establishing the word’s connection to divine judgment.
Genesis 9:11
I will establish my covenant with you: All flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood. There will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.”

Here the word appears in God’s covenant promise that waters will never again become a flood to destroy all flesh, highlighting mercy after judgment.
Psalms 29:10
Yahweh sat enthroned at the Flood. Yes, Yahweh sits as King forever.

The psalmist declares Yahweh sat enthroned at the Flood, using the term to emphasize God’s eternal kingship over chaotic forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mabbul mean in the Bible?

Mabbul is a Hebrew noun meaning a catastrophic flood. It appears twelve times in Scripture, primarily in Genesis and Psalms. The term specifically refers to the global deluge during Noah’s time, distinguishing it from ordinary rains or rivers.

How is mabbul different from other words for water?

Unlike generic terms for rain or rivers, mabbul carries the weight of total destruction and divine judgment. It describes a unique historical event where waters covered the entire planet, marking a moment of both judgment and covenant promise.

Where does this word appear most often?

The word appears in Genesis 6–11 and Psalms 29:10. In Genesis, it anchors the Noah narrative, while in Psalms, it highlights God’s sovereignty over creation. These occurrences show its role in both history and worship.

Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 11 verses

Genesis 6:17

I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the…

Genesis 7:6

Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth.

Genesis 7:7

Noah went into the ship with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, because of the floodwaters.

Genesis 7:10

After the seven days, the floodwaters came on the earth.

Genesis 7:17

The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the…

Genesis 9:11

I will establish my covenant with you: All flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood. There will…

Genesis 9:15

I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters will no…

Genesis 9:28

Noah lived three hundred fifty years after the flood.

Genesis 10:1

Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them…

Genesis 10:32

These are the families of the sons of Noah, by their generations, according to their nations. The nations divided from…

Genesis 11:10

This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad…

Psalms 1 verse