Lexical Summary yabbal: Stream, watercourse Original Word: יַבֵּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance having running soresFrom yabal; having running sores -- wen. see HEBREW yabal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yabal Definition a running, suppurating NASB Translation running sore (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יַבָּל] adjective running, suppurating — only feminine singular as substantive, יַבֶּלֶת a running sore or ulcer Leviticus 22:22 (+ עַוֶּרֶת, שָׁבוּר, חָרוּץ, גָּרָב, יַלֶּפֶת). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept יַבֵּל designates an oozing or running sore—a visible lesion that continually discharges fluid. It signifies a living disorder, not a healed scar. In the Levitical vocabulary it stands among the most objectionable blemishes, communicating uncleanness and unfitness for holy use. Old Testament Occurrence Leviticus 22:22 lists יַבֵּל in the catalogue of defects that disqualify sacrificial animals: “You are not to present any animal that is blind, injured, maimed, or has a running sore, festering or warts…” (Berean Standard Bible). The term appears nowhere else in Scripture, yet its single use anchors an entire principle—the absolute refusal of persistent corruption before the altar of the LORD. Sacrificial Purity and the Symbolism of Blemish 1. Blemish exposed the chasm between God’s holiness and fallen creation (Leviticus 22:21; Deuteronomy 15:21). Christological Anticipation The Law’s demand for a victim free of יַבֵּל foreshadowed the Messiah: “You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Jesus’ perfect wholeness satisfies what Leviticus only prefigured; in Him no spiritual “running sore” can be found (Hebrews 7:26-27). Related Passages Leviticus 21:17-23 – same list applied to priests, stressing the symmetry between worshipper and offering. Malachi 1:8 – censure of corrupt worship when blemished animals were offered. Isaiah 1:6 – Israel likened to a body “covered with bruises, welts, and festering wounds,” an ethical parallel to יַבֵּל. Ephesians 5:27 – the church is presented to Christ “without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish.” Historical Background Ancient Near Eastern sacrifice occasionally tolerated minor defects, but Israel’s Torah uniquely barred anything symptomatic of sickness or decay. The prohibition of running sores protected the sanctuary from literal contagion and, more importantly, preserved a theological picture: life offered to the Author of life must be whole. Ministry and Devotional Implications • Worship excellence: Believers are admonished to present their bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). Spiritual complacency is a modern analogue to יַבֵּל. Summary יַבֵּל, though occurring once, crystallizes the biblical theme that God accepts only what is whole. Its presence in Leviticus 22:22 propels a line of revelation that culminates in the flawless sacrifice of Christ and calls every disciple to wholehearted, unblemished devotion. Forms and Transliterations יַבֶּ֗לֶת יבלת yab·be·leṯ yabBelet yabbeleṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 22:22 HEB: חָר֣וּץ אֽוֹ־ יַבֶּ֗לֶת א֤וֹ גָרָב֙ NAS: or having a running sore or KJV: or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, INT: maimed or A running or eczema 1 Occurrence |
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