עֲבַד (a.vad)
a.vad
to make
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb avad means to make or do, serving as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew avad found in earlier texts. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, it appears frequently within official correspondence and royal decrees. It describes the practical execution of commands, whether that involves creating an object, performing a task, or carrying out a legal judgment.
Its usage spans from physical creation to administrative action. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar declares that God makes and does whatever He pleases in Daniel 4:35, highlighting divine sovereignty over human affairs. Conversely, the word describes mundane tasks like preparing funds or executing punishments, as seen in Ezra 7:21-26 where resources are allocated for the temple.
The sources note a specific passive form (Ithpeal) meaning to be made or done. This appears when subjects are subjected to royal authority, such as being cut off or destroyed, as in Daniel 3:29. Translators typically render it simply as "make" or "do," capturing its broad scope of causing something to happen without adding emotional nuance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word avad in these texts often appears in royal decrees, describing actions like building a temple or enforcing laws. It reminds us that God’s authority extends over human institutions and decisions. When kings issue commands, they operate within a framework where ultimate sovereignty belongs to the Creator.
This verb also highlights the practical side of faith. Whether it is constructing a house for God or carrying out justice, believers are called to act with diligence. The text shows that our work matters when it aligns with divine will, turning ordinary tasks into acts of obedience and service.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- let it be done3×
- you will do2×
- to/ do2×
- he made2×
- you will be made1×
- they made1×
- they did1×
- let it be made1×
- he will be made1×
- done1×
- doing1×
- and/ they made1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲבַד֙2×
- תַֽעַבְד֗וּן1×
- תַּעַבְדֽוּן\׃1×
- תִּתְעַבְד֔וּן1×
- עָבֵ֜ד1×
- עָבְדָ֥ה1×
- עָבְדִ֣ין1×
- עַבְדֵת֒1×
- עֲבַֽדוּ\׃1×
- עֲבַ֑דוּ1×
- מִתְעַבְדָ֖א1×
- מִתְעֲבֶד\־1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
This verse uses the word to describe Nebuchadnezzar’s act of creating a golden image, showing how human power attempts to establish its own authority.
-
Ezra 6:12
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.
Here the word appears in Darius’s decree, emphasizing that God’s plan for His house will be fulfilled despite royal opposition.
-
Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
The term describes Belshazzar’s feast, illustrating how human celebration can stand in contrast to reverence for the true God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word avad mean in these passages?
How is this word different from other Hebrew verbs for work?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 3 books)
Ezra 13 verses
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 4:22Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…
Ezra 6:12May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter…
Ezra 6:13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…
Ezra 6:16The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of…
Ezra 7:18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to…
Ezra 7:21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the…
Ezra 7:23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should…
Ezra 7:26Whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence,…