מַעְבָּד (ma.bad)

ma.bad

work

H4566 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun ma‘bad refers to work or labor, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Job 34:25. It is a late form of the word, closely related to the Aramaic ma‘vad found in other biblical texts. In this single instance, it describes God’s action in judging people by examining their deeds.

The term carries the straightforward meaning of work or activity. Its rarity makes it stand out, as most biblical references to labor use different words like ‘asah or pa‘al. Here, it emphasizes the tangible results of human actions that are subject to divine scrutiny.

Translators typically render ma‘bad as "work" or "deeds," capturing the sense of active effort. The word’s limited usage highlights its specific role in Job’s discourse, where it underscores the reality that God observes and evaluates human conduct with precision.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word ma‘bad appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 34:25. It translates simply to "work" or "deeds," yet its singular occurrence gives it a unique weight in Scripture. In this verse, Elihu describes how God takes knowledge of human works, overturning the wicked in the night. This rare term highlights that our actions are not invisible; they are tangible realities that God observes with precision.

For your faith life, this offers a sobering but comforting truth. You do not need to hide your efforts or worry about whether they matter. Whether in success or struggle, your labor is seen. This word reminds us that divine justice is active and immediate. It invites you to live with integrity, knowing that every deed has significance before God.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

deeds/ their1×

Forms in the text

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

מַעְבָּֽדֵי/הֶ֑ם1×

Key Verses

Job 34:25
Therefore he takes knowledge of their works. He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

This verse uses ma‘bad to show that God actively examines human deeds, overturning the wicked in the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ma‘bad mean in the Bible?

Ma‘bad is a Hebrew noun meaning "work" or "deeds." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Job 34:25. The term refers to tangible human actions that are subject to divine scrutiny.

Why is this word significant?

Its significance lies in its rarity and context. As a late form related to Aramaic, it emphasizes the concrete results of human activity. In Job, it underscores that God evaluates conduct with precision, not just intentions.

How is it different from other words for work?

While common verbs like ‘asah (to do) or pa‘al (to act) describe the process of working, ma‘bad focuses on the resulting deeds or works themselves. It highlights the outcome of labor that stands before God.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Job 1 verse

Job 34:25

Therefore he takes knowledge of their works. He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed.