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נָבַע (na.va)

na.va

to bubble

H5042 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 9 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
9 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb naba’ describes the vigorous movement of liquid, specifically to gush, flow, or bubble up with force. It captures the dynamic energy of water springing from a source or wine fermenting and rising in a vessel. This is not a passive trickle but an active, pressurized outpouring that demands attention.

Its usage spans both natural phenomena and human emotion. In Proverbs 25:23, it illustrates how cold winds bring rain, while the same imagery appears in Ecclesiastes 10:9 to describe the danger of digging a pit where one might fall into a well—a place where water lies still but the act of drawing it involves lifting something heavy from below. More vividly, Psalm 75:8 uses naba’ metaphorically for God pouring out judgment like wine in a cup, causing the wicked to drink its dregs until they are intoxicated by their fate.

The word’s root sense of bubbling or fermenting adds a layer of intensity. It suggests something internal building up pressure until it must be released. This makes it particularly effective for describing divine wrath or sudden emotional shifts, where feelings surge outward uncontrollably. Translators often render it as "pour out" or "gush," preserving the sense of unstoppable motion.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew verb naba’ paints a vivid picture of liquid bursting forth with force, whether it is water gushing from a spring or wine fermenting until it overflows. In the biblical text, this dynamic energy often describes speech that cannot be contained. When Proverbs contrasts the wise and the foolish, it uses this word to show how the mouth of a fool 'gushes out' folly with the same pressure as boiling liquid. It reminds us that our words carry weight and momentum.

For your daily walk, this imagery invites reflection on what is rising within you. Just as a vessel must handle fermenting wine carefully, we are called to steward our speech. The righteous heart weighs answers before they come out, while the wicked mouth lets evil spill over uncontrollably. This distinction highlights the importance of inner peace and thoughtful reflection in your interactions with others.

Ultimately, this word points to the power of expression. Whether it is the 'arrogant words' poured out by evildoers or the praise that flows from lips taught by God, our speech reveals what fills our hearts. By seeking wisdom, you can ensure that your words build up rather than spill over in haste, reflecting a heart aligned with divine truth.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • it pours forth2×
  • they will pour forth1×
  • they pour forth1×
  • may they pour forth1×
  • it ferments1×
  • flowing1×
  • I will pour out1×
  • I will pour forth1×

Forms in the text

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

  • יַבִּ֥יעַ2×
  • תַּבַּ֣עְנָה1×
  • נֹ֝בֵ֗עַ1×
  • יַבִּ֣יעוּ1×
  • יַבִּ֖יעַ1×
  • יַבִּ֑יעוּ1×
  • אַבִּ֥יעָה1×
  • אַבִּ֣יעָה1×

Key Verses

  • Proverbs 15:2
    The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly.

    This verse uses the word to contrast the controlled speech of the wise with the uncontrolled 'gushing' of folly from a fool's mouth.

  • Proverbs 15:28
    The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

    Here the verb describes how the wicked mouth actively pours out evil, highlighting the internal pressure that leads to harmful speech.

  • Psalms 94:4
    They pour out arrogant words. All the evildoers boast.

    The evildoers 'pour out' arrogant words, using this imagery of forceful liquid to depict their boastful and uncontrolled pride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word naba’ mean?

Naba’ means to bubble, gush, or pour out with force. It describes liquid moving vigorously, such as water springing from a source or wine fermenting and rising in a vessel.

How is naba’ used metaphorically in the Bible?

The word often describes speech that bursts forth uncontrollably. For example, Proverbs 15:2 uses it to show how fools 'gush out' folly, while Psalms 94:4 describes evildoers pouring out arrogant words.

What is the difference between naba’ and other words for speaking?

Unlike neutral terms for talking, naba’ implies pressure and intensity. It suggests that what is being said is rising from within with such force that it must be released, often without careful thought.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 3 books)

Psalms 4 verses
Psalms 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,

Psalms 94:4

They pour out arrogant words. All the evildoers boast.

Psalms 119:171

Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.

Psalms 145:7

They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness.

Proverbs 4 verses
Ecclesiastes 1 verse