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The Hebrew word אִבְחָה (ibchah) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Job 38:36.
It is an extremely rare term whose exact meaning has been debated by biblical scholars.
From an unused root (apparently meaning to turn); to brandish a sword: fright.
Meaning and Context:
Biblical Appearance: It appears in Job 38:36, where God is questioning Job about the mysteries of creation. The verse reads: "Who has put wisdom in אִבְחָה (ibchah), or who has given understanding to שֶׂכְוִי (sekvi)?"
Main Interpretations:
Some scholars suggest it refers to the "inner parts" or "interior" (possibly referring to the mind or heart).
Others suggest it could refer to a specific creature, possibly some type of bird such as the ibis (which in ancient Egyptian culture was associated with wisdom).
There are also interpretations that relate it to meteorological phenomena or clouds.
Context of the Passage: Chapter 38 of Job presents God answering Job from a whirlwind, demonstrating His omnipotence through rhetorical questions about creation. This verse seems to refer to the origin of wisdom and understanding, whether in creatures or in aspects of nature.
The rarity of this word has made it difficult to establish its exact meaning with certainty, and different Bible translations have opted for different interpretations based on context. |
