מַבָּט (mab.bat)
mab.bat
expectation
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 mabbat refers to the object of one’s hope or confidence rather than the abstract act of waiting. It signifies what a person looks forward to with trust, serving as the concrete focus of their expectation. This word appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, making its usage rare and specific.
In these instances, primarily within Isaiah and Zechariah, mabbat describes something tangible that sustains faith during difficult times. It is not merely a feeling of anticipation but the actual thing hoped for, such as deliverance or restoration. The term anchors the believer’s hope in a specific reality, emphasizing that expectation has an object.
The rarity of mabbat highlights its weight in these prophetic texts. When used, it points to a future good that is certain enough to be called an "object of confidence." This usage reminds readers that biblical hope is not vague wishfulness but a steady trust in what God has promised to bring about.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels unstable, it is natural to look for something solid to hold onto. The Hebrew word mabbat describes this concrete object of trust rather than the vague act of waiting. It points to a specific reality that sustains faith during difficult times. This concept reminds us that biblical hope is not just wishful thinking but a steady confidence in what God has promised.
In Isaiah 20, the people discover that their political alliances are fragile. They realize that relying on Egypt or Ethiopia leads only to confusion. Their expectation fails because it was placed in human power rather than divine deliverance. This passage invites us to examine where we place our confidence today.
True security comes from trusting in God’s faithfulness alone. When our hope is anchored in His promises, we find peace even when circumstances change. May you find your rest in the One who never fails to keep His word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- object of confidence/ its1×
- hope/ their1×
- hope/ our1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַבָּטָ֔/ם1×
- מַבָּטֵ֗/נוּ1×
- מֶבָּטָ֑/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 20:5
They will be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
This verse shows how placing expectation in political allies like Ethiopia leads to shame rather than security.
-
Isaiah 20:6
The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?’”
Here the word highlights the despair that follows when human sources of help prove inadequate against Assyria.
-
Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
This occurrence contrasts the disappointment of worldly powers with the certainty of God’s coming judgment and salvation.