Hebrew · H1891

הָבַל

הָבַל is a Hebrew word meaning "to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray".

This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.

הָבַלH1891

What does הָבַל mean in the Bible?

Full entry for הָבַל (H1891) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does הָבַל mean in the Bible?

הָבַל is a Hebrew word meaning "to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray".

How does the BSB render H1891?

The BSB source-word alignment has 5 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include and became worthless themselves (2), . . . (1), or false hope (1), They are filling you with false hopes (1).

Where does הָבַל appear in Scripture?

The source-word alignment first shows this entry at 2 Kings 17:15. Its strongest book concentrations include Jeremiah (2), 2 Kings (1), Job (1), Psalms (1).

Source Word Evidence

BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.

How English Renders It
and became worthless themselves2×2 Kings 17:15, Jeremiah 2:5
. . .1×Job 27:12
or false hope1×Psalms 62:10
They are filling you with false hopes1×Jeremiah 23:16
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map

A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.

First aligned row2 Kings 17:15
Aligned rows5
Books represented4
2 Kings1Job1Psalms1Jeremiah2
Source forms
וַיֶּהְבָּ֔לוּ1xway·yeh·bā·lū2 Kings 17:15
וַיֶּהְבָּֽלוּ׃1xway·yeh·bā·lūJeremiah 2:5
מַהְבִּלִ֥ים1xmah·bi·lîmJeremiah 23:16
תֶּ֫הְבָּ֥לוּ1xteh·bā·lūPsalms 62:10
תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ׃1xteh·bā·lūJob 27:12
Parsing patterns
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural2x2 Kings 17:15, Jeremiah 2:5
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural2xJob 27:12, Psalms 62:10
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural1xJeremiah 23:16
Sources