Lexical Summary mabad: Separation, solitude, isolation Original Word: מַעְבָּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance work From abad; an act -- work. see HEBREW abad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abad Definition work NASB Translation works (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַעְבָּד] noun [masculine] work (late form; Biblical Aramaic מַעֲבַד); — plural suffix מַעְבָּדֵיהֶם Job 34:25. Topical Lexicon Biblical setting and central ideaThe one appearance of מַעְבָּד (maʿbad) occurs in Job 34:25, where Elihu declares of God, “Therefore He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed” (Berean Standard Bible). In this context the word refers to the concrete, observable actions by which people reveal their moral character. Elihu’s speech answers Job’s complaints by affirming divine justice: the Almighty discerns every human deed and acts in perfect righteousness toward each person. Relationship to the wider wisdom tradition Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes consistently link a person’s “deeds” to accountability before the Lord. Although the particular term maʿbad is unique to Job, the theme it expresses permeates Wisdom Literature: • Proverbs 24:12: “Does He not repay every man according to his deeds?” The appearance of maʿbad in Job underscores that the God of wisdom literature is neither distant nor indifferent. He both observes and evaluates human conduct, establishing the moral order on which wisdom teaching depends. Connection to the covenant storyline While Job predates Israel’s covenant era in setting, the notion that God “recognizes their deeds” resonates with covenant blessings and curses (for example, Deuteronomy 32:35-36). Under the Law, obedience and disobedience were rewarded or punished in history; in Job, the same principle is affirmed universally. Maʿbad therefore bridges primeval experience and covenant revelation, showing that God’s justice is not limited to Israel but is global and timeless. Contrast with other Hebrew terms for works Scripture employs several words for “deeds” (maʿaseh, peʿullah, gemul). By choosing maʿbad, Job 34:25 places emphasis on “work performed,” highlighting the tangible outcome of internal choices. The term invites readers to measure themselves not by intentions alone but by concrete actions that God can “recognize.” Doctrinal implications 1. Divine omniscience: The Lord “recognizes” (literally, “knows”) every deed. Nothing is hidden (Psalm 139:1-4). Christological fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies the perfect alignment of deed and character. He could testify, “I always do what is pleasing to Him” (John 8:29). At the cross He bore the judgment our deeds deserve (Isaiah 53:6). At His return “the dead were judged according to their deeds” (Revelation 20:12). Thus maʿbad foreshadows both the need for atonement and the certainty of final evaluation in Christ. Pastoral and discipleship applications • Integrity: Leaders are called to live transparently, knowing the Lord “recognizes their deeds” just as surely today as in Job’s era. Summary Though appearing only once, מַעְבָּד powerfully reflects a thread woven through Scripture: every human action is observed, weighed and requited by a just and holy God. This truth calls sinners to the refuge of Christ and exhorts saints to abound in good works prepared beforehand by their gracious Redeemer. Forms and Transliterations מַעְבָּֽדֵיהֶ֑ם מעבדיהם ma‘·bā·ḏê·hem ma‘bāḏêhem mabadeiHemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 34:25 HEB: לָכֵ֗ן יַ֭כִּיר מַעְבָּֽדֵיהֶ֑ם וְהָ֥פַךְ לַ֝֗יְלָה NAS: He knows their works, And He overthrows KJV: Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth INT: Therefore knows their works overthrows the night 1 Occurrence |
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