עָבַשׁ
𐤏𐤁𐤔
ʻâbash
H5685 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become spoiled, to rot, or to decay, especially as applied to organic matter such as bread. In some contexts, also to dry up or become putrid, emphasizing a natural process of deterioration or decomposition. The verb carries a nuance of visible or odorous decay indicating unfitness for consumption or use.
Semantic Range
to rot, to decay, to become spoiled, to become moldy, to putrefy, to dry up (in the sense of organic decay), to become unfit for use
Root / Etymology
From the root עבש. The root meaning is 'to be spoiled, to rot, to become putrid.' The verb form denotes the process of organic matter decomposing or failing due to natural processes. The sense of 'to dry up' is secondary, tied to the idea of loss of vital moisture leading to decay.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עָבַשׁ is a relatively rare verb in Biblical Hebrew, most notably used in connection with the supernatural preservation or spoilage of the manna (Exodus 16), where it describes bread becoming wormy and foul. The word is strongly associated with corruption caused by organic decomposition, making it distinct from other Hebrew roots for 'drying up' (e.g., יבש, which more generally means 'to become dry, parched'). Unlike יבש, עָבַשׁ often implies both physical decay and foulness. In later Hebrew, forms derived from עבש are used to refer to mold or mildew, reflecting a development from the biblical sense of organic spoilage. English translations such as 'rotten' or 'spoiled' capture only part of the nuance, as the term can involve both a process (rotting) and a condition (decayed or unfit). This root is not to be confused with verbs meaning simply 'to be old' or 'to waste away.' The usage does not convey metaphoric senses in the biblical corpus but is concrete and physical, tied to material degradation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to dry up; be rotten.
Bantu Hebrew
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עבש (ʿ-b-sh) — to rot, to spoil, to decay, to become putrid
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5685-01 |
עָבְשׁ֣וּ | aveshu | HVqp3cp |
have shriveled | they rotted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5685-01 |
Joel 1:17 | עָבְשׁ֣וּ | aveshu | HVqp3cp |
have shriveled | they rotted |