עֲבָד (a.vad)
a.vad
work
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun avad denotes physical labor or toil, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Ecclesiastes 9:10. In this specific context, it refers to the manual effort required in one’s daily tasks. The word captures the essence of work as a tangible activity, emphasizing the exertion involved rather than abstract concepts of employment.
Lexical sources classify avad as a late term, distinguishing it from more common roots for service or worship. Its singular occurrence highlights the unique weight Ecclesiastes places on human effort within the framework of life under the sun. Translators typically render it as "work," reflecting its straightforward meaning of productive activity.
This rare usage underscores the biblical theme that labor is an inherent part of the human condition. By focusing on a single instance, the text invites reflection on the nature of work itself, separate from later theological developments surrounding servitude or divine worship found in other Hebrew vocabulary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word avad appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Ecclesiastes 9:10. It describes the physical labor and tangible effort involved in daily tasks. This rare usage highlights the concrete reality of human work, focusing on the exertion required rather than abstract ideas about employment or service.
For your faith, this reminds us that our daily efforts have weight and meaning. Even when work feels routine or exhausting, it is a real part of the human condition. God sees these acts of labor as significant within His sovereign plan, inviting you to find purpose in your everyday tasks.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ deeds/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/עֲבָדֵי/הֶ֖ם1×