Original Word: אָבֵל
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: abel
Pronunciation: ah-vel
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-bale')
Definition: lamenting
Meaning: The term אָבֵל (abel) is primarily used to denote a state of mourning or lamentation. It is often associated with expressions of grief and sorrow, typically in response to death or calamity.

Word Origin: From the root אָבַל (aval), which means "to mourn" or "to lament."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G93 (adokimos): Often translated as "disqualified" or "reprobate," this term does not directly correspond to mourning but reflects a state of being rejected or unapproved.
- G94 (adokimazo): Meaning "to disapprove" or "to reject," this term is related to judgment rather than mourning.
- G458 (anomia): Translated as "lawlessness" or "iniquity," this term denotes a state of moral or legal transgression, not directly related to mourning.
- G1342 (dikaios): Meaning "righteous" or "just," this term is unrelated to mourning but rather describes a state of moral uprightness.
- G3076 (lupeo): This term means "to grieve" or "to be sorrowful," closely aligning with the concept of mourning.
- G3900 (paraptoma): Translated as "trespass" or "offense," this term refers to a moral failing rather than mourning.
- G4835 (sumphero): Meaning "to bring together" or "to be profitable," this term is unrelated to mourning.

The Greek term G3076 (lupeo) is the most closely related to the Hebrew אָבֵל, as it captures the essence of grief and sorrow, reflecting the emotional state of mourning.

Usage: The word אָבֵל appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often describing individuals or groups in a state of mourning. It is used to convey the deep emotional response to loss or tragedy.

Context: The Hebrew term אָבֵל (abel) is a significant word in the Old Testament, capturing the profound human experience of grief and mourning. It is derived from the root אָבַל (aval), which means "to mourn" or "to lament." This word is used to describe the emotional and often ritualistic response to death or disaster.

In the Hebrew Bible, mourning is a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice, often involving specific rites and expressions of sorrow. The term אָבֵל is used in various passages to depict individuals or communities in mourning. For example, in Genesis 37:34, Jacob mourns for his son Joseph, tearing his clothes and donning sackcloth. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 1:12, David and his men mourn for Saul and Jonathan, fasting and weeping.

Mourning in the biblical context often includes physical expressions such as wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, fasting, and weeping. These acts are outward manifestations of inner grief and are sometimes accompanied by communal lamentation. The use of אָבֵל underscores the depth of sorrow experienced by those who mourn, reflecting a universal human response to loss.

The concept of mourning is not only personal but also communal, as seen in instances where entire communities lament over national tragedies or divine judgment. The prophets frequently call the people to mourn as a sign of repentance and humility before God.

Word Origin
from abal
Definition
mourning
NASB Translation
mourn (2), mourners (2), mourning (3), one who sorrows (1).

I. אָבֵל adjective mourning — ׳א Genesis 37:35; Esther 6:12; construct אֲבֶלֿ Psalm 35:14; אֲבֵלִים Job 29:25; Isaiah 61:2 etc.; — for dead Genesis 37:35, calamity Esther 6:12, compare figurative Lamentations 1:4 (predicate, inanimate subject), elsewhere as substantive mourner; singular Psalm 35:14 (construct) for dead ("" קדר); plural Job 29:25 absolute; for calamity Isaiah 57:18; Isaiah 61:2,3(where mourners for Zion, or of Zion, see Di).

II. אבל (perhaps grow green, compare grass; Lag^{BN 45} proposes withstand, hence אָבֵל as withstanding scorching sun (protected by trees, springs, etc.), hence also (Lag) camel). Etymologogical conjectures very dubious; connection (Lag.) of withstand, with herbage, forage (sometimes dry) improbable, and of latter with herd of camels obscure; √ meaning grow green unattested; Syriac , , Talmud יַבְלָא, Punic ιεβαλ, 'grass,' apparently = a specific kind of fodder, ἄγρωστις, see Löw^{No. 141} (GFM, privately).

mourner,

From 'abal; lamenting -- mourn(-er, -ing).

see HEBREW 'abal

אֲבֵל֗וֹת אֲבֵלִ֣ים אֲבֵלִֽים׃ אָבֵ֖ל אבל אבלות אבלים אבלים׃ וְלַאֲבֵלָֽיו׃ ולאבליו׃ כַּאֲבֶל־ כאבל־ לַאֲבֵלֵ֣י לאבלי ’ă·ḇê·lîm ’ă·ḇê·lō·wṯ ’ā·ḇêl ’āḇêl ’ăḇêlîm ’ăḇêlōwṯ aVel aveLim aveLot ka’ăḇel- ka·’ă·ḇel- kaavel la’ăḇêlê la·’ă·ḇê·lê laaveLei velaaveLav wə·la·’ă·ḇê·lāw wəla’ăḇêlāwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts