נֵבֶךְ
𐤍𐤁𐤊
nêbek
H5033 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A natural source of flowing water, particularly one that emerges or bursts forth from the ground; specifically, a fountain or spring. In biblical usage, this term refers to living or flowing water, often highlighting its fresh, life-giving quality in contrast with stagnant or stored water.
Semantic Range
natural spring, fountain, source of fresh flowing water, natural outflow of water
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology uncertain. Although Strong suggests an unused root meaning 'to burst forth,' there is no direct attested Hebrew verb from which נֵבֶךְ (nêbek) derives. The form appears to be unique to the noun in its occurrences and does not transparently connect to a broader family of semantically related Hebrew roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
נֵבֶךְ occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible and specifically refers to a water source that naturally gushes or flows, distinguishing it from wells (בְּאֵר, bĕ'ēr) that are dug and from man-made cisterns (בּוֹר, bôr). In the semi-arid ecology of ancient Israel-Palestine, such sources were vital and often regarded with reverence for their life-sustaining properties. The word is often rendered in English versions as 'fountain' or 'spring.' In contrast to similar terms, נֵבֶךְ more strongly emphasizes the act or quality of water 'bursting forth' as opposed to being slowly emitted or stagnant. Its rarity and absence from later post-biblical Hebrew suggest it perhaps became obsolete or was replaced by other terms. The Septuagint sometimes translates with the Greek πηγή (pēgē, 'spring'), but this may not capture every nuance of the Hebrew. The modern term 'spring' is broadly accurate but may not always convey the vividness implied in the biblical context, where water sources were crucial and sometimes seen as acts of divine provision.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to burst forth; a fountain; spring.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נבק (uncertain) (n-b-q (uncertain)) — bursting forth, springing up, flowing out
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5033-01 |
נִבְכֵי | nivekhey | HNcmpc |
springs | springs of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5033-01 |
Job 38:16 | נִבְכֵי | nivekhey | HNcmpc |
springs | springs of |