What Does “Buu/Mabuu” Mean in the Bible?

What Does “Buu/Mabuu” Mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the word “buu” refers to a corpse or a decaying body. Whenever you come across this term, it points to death, decay, or a grave.

For example:

Job 17:14 – “If I have called destruction my father, and the worm my mother, and my sister…”

Here, “buu” refers to the grave. Job is expressing that, in his suffering, death and decay felt closer to him than even his family—his father, mother, and sister. Just as family is closest to a person, Job felt that death was now intimately near him.

Another example is:

Job 25:6 – “How much less a mortal, who is only a maggot—human, who is merely a worm!”

This passage emphasizes that humans, without God, are like corpses—subject to decay and impermanence.

You can also see this word in:

• Exodus 16:20, 24

• Deuteronomy 28:39

• Job 7:5

In some places, the Bible directly refers to decay or worms (Isaiah 66:24).

This is the reality for every person who lives without God. No matter how healthy, wealthy, powerful, or educated someone is, without Jesus Christ, they remain like a corpse—destined to die and face eternal separation from God.

But there is hope! Those who are saved through Jesus, even if they die, will live again. On the day of resurrection, their bodies will be transformed into glorious, immortal bodies, and they will live with Christ forever in heaven.

If you haven’t yet accepted Christ but are ready to today, you can pray this prayer of repentance to receive forgiveness and new life >>> GUIDE TO PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

May the Lord bless you.

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