Lexical Summary abi or obi: "my father" or "father of" Original Word: עֲבִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thickness Or mobiy {ob-ee'}; from abah; density, i.e. Depth or width -- thick(-ness). Compare ab. see HEBREW abah see HEBREW ab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abah Definition thickness NASB Translation massive* (1), thick (3), thickness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲבִי noun [masculine] thickness; — construct נַּבֵּי מָגִנָּיו ׳ע Job 15:26 the thickness (stoutness) of the bosses of his shields (in figurative); suffix עָבְיוֺ its thickness, of the molten sea 1 Kings 7:26 2Chronicles 4:5; of pillar Jeremiah 52:21. — 2Chronicles 4:17 see following — Under עבה belongs perhaps also בְּעַב הֶעָנָן Exodus 19:9 (read בַּעֲבִי ?) in the thickness of the clouds, compare BuThLz 1892 (3), 63 Köii 1, 86. Topical Lexicon Range of MeaningThe term conveys the idea of substantial density—whether of metal, wood, or hide. In all four biblical settings it accents the impressive solidity of something crafted for durability or defense. Occurrences 1. 1 Kings 7:26 – The bronze “Sea” in Solomon’s temple was “a handbreadth thick.” Temple Architecture Solomon’s bronze basin and the twin pillars Jachin and Boaz were not merely ornamental. Their notable thickness highlighted both the wealth devoted to the house of the LORD and the permanence envisioned for covenant worship. The “Sea,” representing ritual cleansing, could hold roughly 44,000 liters; its stout walls declared that divine provision for purification is both ample and secure. Likewise, the pillars’ thickness underscored Yahweh’s steadfast support of His people (compare 1 Kings 7:21). Military Imagery Job 15:26 employs the word in a martial simile. The “massive shield” illustrates human arrogance arrayed against God, yet such thickness is futile before divine judgment (Job 15:25–27). The same word that exalts temple strength here exposes human defenses as ultimately inadequate. Symbolic Resonances 1. Permanence: Thick metal resists decay, mirroring the enduring promises of God. Historical Notes Jeremiah 52:21 records the Babylonians stripping the pillars despite their four-finger thickness. Even the most robust human craftsmanship cannot withstand covenant violation. The exile teaches that true security lies not in thickness of bronze but in faithfulness to the covenant-keeping God. Ministry Applications • Worship: Give God the “thick” portion—time, talent, and treasure that reflects His worth. New Testament Echoes While the term itself does not appear in the New Testament, its themes surface in the “foundation” metaphors of 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 and the “full armor of God” in Ephesians 6:10–18. The believer’s life is to be built and defended with materials that endure the testing fire. Conclusion עֲבִי spotlights the solidity of sacred objects and the supposed security of human defenses. Both point beyond themselves—to the unwavering strength, holiness, and protection found in the LORD alone. Forms and Transliterations בַּ֝עֲבִ֗י בעבי וְעָבְי֛וֹ וְעָבְי֣וֹ ועביו ba‘ăḇî ba·‘ă·ḇî baaVi veaveYo wə‘āḇəyōw wə·‘ā·ḇə·yōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 7:26 HEB: וְעָבְי֣וֹ טֶ֔פַח וּשְׂפָת֛וֹ NAS: It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim KJV: And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim INT: thick A handbreadth brim 2 Chronicles 4:5 Job 15:26 Jeremiah 52:21 4 Occurrences |
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