Original Word: אָבֶה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: abeh
Pronunciation: ah-veh'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-beh')
KJV: desire
Word Origin: [from H14 (אָבָה - willing)]

1. longing

desire

From 'abah; longing -- desire.

see HEBREW 'abah

Word Origin
see bayay.

[בָּיַי, בַּי] verb entreat (Arabic come as suppliant, entreat, still current in the Hauran: see Wetzst in De^{Job 34:36}), of which (probably) אָבִי Job 34:36 is 1 singular imperfect (used dialectically): אָבִי יִבְּחֵן אִיּוֺב would that (literally I entreat that) Job were tried!

Overview

The Hebrew interjection אָבֶה appears only once in Scripture, Job 34:36, where it conveys an urgent wish or longing. Rather than stating simple consent, it voices a strong inner desire—“Would that...” or “Oh, that...”—setting the tone for a heartfelt plea.

Biblical usage

Job 34:36: “Would that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like wicked men!”

The speaker is Elihu, who petitions God to extend Job’s testing so that the patriarch’s words may be fully weighed. The lone occurrence underlines its rhetorical force: when uttered, it signals that ordinary prose will not suffice; only an exclamatory outcry can carry the depth of feeling.

Contextual analysis of Job 34:36

1. Speaker: Elihu, the youthful observer whose speeches (Job 32–37) prepare the way for the divine whirlwind discourse.
2. Setting: A courtroom‐style debate about divine justice. Elihu respects Job’s integrity yet regards some of his statements as edging toward impiety; thus he pleads for further refinement.
3. Function of אָבֶה: By beginning with this interjection, Elihu frames his request not as cold judgment but as earnest petition. He wants Job “tested to the utmost” so that true righteousness shines and misplaced accusations are silenced.

Theological significance

1. The discipline of God. Elihu reasons that additional testing can purge misunderstandings, echoing themes later clarified in Hebrews 12:5-11—God disciplines those He loves.
2. Speech before God. Job’s dialogue shows how words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:36-37). Elihu’s wish underscores accountability for speech, even from the faithful.
3. Divine sovereignty in suffering. The cry “Would that…” concedes that only the Lord can grant or withhold trial; human desire must defer to His wise governance.

Historical and linguistic notes

• The term belongs to a small group of Hebrew optative particles (compare לֻוּא lu’ or מִי־יִתֵּן mi-yittén). Its rarity gives it stylistic weight, marking elevated, emotive discourse.
• In ancient Near Eastern legal settings, extended testing could involve re-examination of testimony. Elihu’s plea mirrors that cultural background, calling for a thorough divine inquiry.

Pastoral and ministry insights

• Yearning for refinement. Believers sometimes echo Elihu—praying that trials accomplish their full purpose (James 1:2-4), not end prematurely. The interjection invites honest, fervent prayer that embraces sanctification rather than evades it.
• Guarding our words in suffering. Job’s example warns against careless claims about God’s justice. Church leaders can employ Job 34:36 to counsel those facing hardship: lament is welcome, yet reverence must steer our speech.
• Intercession with compassion. Elihu’s strong wish aims at Job’s ultimate good, not his destruction. Similarly, petitions for another’s correction should spring from love, seeking restoration.

Connections to wider biblical themes

• Optative cries in Scripture: Moses—“Oh, that all the LORD’s people were prophets” (Numbers 11:29); David—“Oh, that I had wings like a dove” (Psalm 55:6). אָבֶה belongs to this family of passionate longings voiced before God.
• Testing to reveal integrity: Abraham at Moriah (Genesis 22), Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2), Peter sifted but restored (Luke 22:31-32). Job’s ordeal stands in this continuum, illustrating that trials authenticate faith.

Practical application

1. When hardships linger, believers may legitimately cry “Would that…” yet entrust outcomes to divine wisdom.
2. Spiritual mentors can pray that testing yields maturity, using Job 34:36 as a model for intercession that is both bold and submissive.
3. The verse encourages self-examination of speech: before, during, and after trials, disciples should measure every word by the standard of reverence for God’s character.

Summary

Though appearing only once, אָבֶה captures the intensity of a heart’s desire laid before God. In Job 34:36 it frames Elihu’s plea that Job undergo complete testing so truth may prevail. Its singular usage magnifies the Bible’s broader teaching: divine refinement is purposeful, speech is consequential, and earnest cries—when surrendered to God’s sovereignty—advance His redemptive work in His people.

אָבִ֗י אבי ’ā·ḇî ’āḇî aViInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts