Original Word: נָבַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: nabab
Pronunciation: naw-bab'
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-bab')
Definition: To pierce, to hollow, to perforate
Meaning: to pierce, to be hollow, foolish

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "nabab," the concept of piercing can be related to Greek terms such as "διατρυπάω" (diatrypao), meaning to bore through or pierce, which is found in the New Testament.

Usage: The Hebrew verb "nabab" primarily means to pierce or to hollow out. It conveys the action of making a hole or creating an opening. This term can be used both in a literal sense, such as piercing a physical object, and metaphorically, to describe actions or situations that involve creating openings or gaps.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, the act of piercing or hollowing out was often associated with craftsmanship and construction. For example, artisans would pierce materials to create tools, jewelry, or other items. The concept of piercing also held symbolic significance, sometimes representing vulnerability or exposure. Understanding the cultural context of "nabab" helps to appreciate its metaphorical uses in the biblical text, where it might describe spiritual or emotional states.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to hollow out
NASB Translation
hollow (3), idiot* (1).

[נָבַב] verb hollow out (compare Assyrian imbubu, flute, Dl^{HWB 443}, Late Hebrew אַבּוּב id., Aramaic אַבּוּבָא id.; hence also Arabic knots in reed, part of reed between knots, reed; see Hoffm^{LCB 1882, 321} Frä²³ Fl in Levy^{TW i. 417}); —

Qal Passive participle נָבוּב Job 11:12; Jeremiah 52:21; נְבוּב Exodus 27:8; Exodus 38:7; — hollowed, hollow: of altar of tabernacle נְבוּב לֻחוֺת Exodus 27:8; Exodus 38:7 (P); of pillar in temple Jeremiah 52:21; figurative אִישׁ נָבוּב Job 11:12, i.e. empty, hollow-minded man.

נֹ֫בֶה see נֹב.

hollow, vain

A primitive root; to pierce; to be hollow, or (figuratively) foolish -- hollow, vain.

נְב֥וּב נָ֭בוּב נָבֽוּב׃ נבוב נבוב׃ nā·ḇūḇ nāḇūḇ Navuv nə·ḇūḇ nəḇūḇ neVuvInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts