Lexical Summary
abi or obi: "my father" or "father of"
Original Word:עֲבִי
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:`abiy
Pronunciation:oh-bee
Phonetic Spelling:(ab-ee')
KJV: thick(-ness)
NASB:thick, thickness
Word Origin:[fromH5666 (עָבָה - thicker)]
1. density, i.e. depth or width
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
thickness
Or mobiy {ob-ee'}; fromabah; density, i.e. Depth or width -- thick(-ness). Compareab.
see HEBREWabah
see HEBREWab
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
abahDefinitionthickness
NASB Translationmassive* (1), thick (3), thickness (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
; — construct
Job 15:26the thickness (stoutness)
of the bosses of his shields (in figurative); suffix
its thickness, of the molten sea
1 Kings 7:26 2Chronicles 4:5; of pillar
Jeremiah 52:21. — 2Chronicles 4:17 see following — Under belongs perhaps also
Exodus 19:9 (read ?) in
the thickness of the clouds, compare Bu
ThLz 1892 (3), 63 Kö
ii 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.”
2.2 Chronicles 4:5 – The Chronicler echoes the same measurement for the “Sea.”
3.Job 15:26 – Eliphaz pictures the wicked man “charging against Him with his massive shield.”
4.Jeremiah 52:21 – Each temple pillar taken by the Babylonians was “four fingers thick, and hollow.”
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 (compare1 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.
2. Protection: A thick shield is meant to ward off blows; Scripture consistently portrays the LORD Himself as the ultimate shield (Psalm 18:2).
3. Costliness: Great thickness required greater resources. In worship and warfare alike, what is invested reveals what is valued (Matthew 6:21).
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.
• Discipleship: Encourage believers that the Lord’s provision for cleansing and stability is solid and unyielding.
• Apologetics: Point skeptics to the harmony between architectural detail and theological purpose, evidencing Scripture’s coherence.
• Pastoral Care: Remind the fearful that God’s shielding presence far exceeds any human armor (Ephesians 6:16).
New Testament Echoes
While the term itself does not appear in the New Testament, its themes surface in the “foundation” metaphors of1 Corinthians 3:10–15 and the “full armor of God” inEphesians 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·yōw
Links
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Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
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