נְבָלָה (ne.va.lah)
ne.va.lah
folly
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nevalah denotes a profound lack of sense, often translated as folly or foolishness. However, it carries a heavier weight than simple ignorance; it describes a moral and spiritual bankruptcy that manifests in disgraceful behavior. In the Old Testament, this word is frequently linked to actions that are not just unwise, but actively offensive to God and community standards.
This term appears most prominently in narratives involving conflict and character judgment, such as the story of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25, where his name itself becomes a label for his cruel stinginess. The sources indicate that nevalah often implies immorality or profane acts, suggesting a heart that is hardened against reason and righteousness. It is a folly that invites shame and divine rebuke.
The word’s root relates to emptiness or waste, reinforcing the idea that such behavior leads to ruin rather than reward. Translators sometimes render it as "disgrace" when the context highlights the social shame resulting from the act. This usage underscores that biblical wisdom views moral failure not merely as a private mistake, but as a public indictment of one’s character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nevalah points to a deep spiritual emptiness that manifests as reckless or shameful behavior. It is more than simple ignorance; it describes a heart hardened against wisdom and righteousness, often leading to public disgrace and broken relationships. When we see this term in Scripture, it reminds us that our actions have weighty consequences for ourselves and our community.
For your daily walk, this word invites reflection on where you might be acting without regard for God’s standards or the well-being of others. It challenges us to pursue integrity and humility, recognizing that true wisdom flows from a heart aligned with God. By avoiding the emptiness of nevalah, we can foster relationships marked by respect and honor.
In stories like that of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25, we see how folly isolates and destroys. Yet, the Bible also offers hope through repentance and God’s mercy. When we acknowledge our shortcomings and turn back to Him, He restores what was broken. This word calls us to live with purpose, ensuring our lives reflect the light of Christ in a world that often values fleeting pleasure over lasting truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ disgraceful folly3×
- folly3×
- and/ disgraceful folly2×
- punishment for folly1×
- disgraceful folly1×
- a disgraceful folly1×
- <the>/ disgraceful folly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נְּבָלָ֥ה3×
- וּ/נְבָלָ֖ה2×
- נְבָלָה֙1×
- נְבָלָ֣ה1×
- נְבָלָ֞ה1×
- נְבָלָ֜ה1×
- נְבָלָ֖ה1×
- נְבָלָ֔ה1×
- הַ֨/נְּבָלָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 20:6
I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
Here, the term highlights the extreme moral corruption in Gibeah, where an act of violence is described as a 'folly' that brought shame upon the entire nation of Israel.
-
Job 42:8
Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.”
God rebukes Job’s friends for speaking falsely about Him, identifying their error not just as a mistake but as a profound folly that required correction through Job’s intercession.