ثبط

Core meaning

To curb one who was about to set out: to hold him back, from outside, so that he does not advance toward the action.

Uses

1. ثَبَّطَ → "to curb" : to hold back those who claimed to be ready to go out.

   • «وَلَٰكِن كَرِهَ ٱللَّهُ ٱنۢبِعَاثَهُمْ فَثَبَّطَهُمْ» — "but God was averse to their being raised up, and He curbed them" (9:46)

Evidence from the text

The verse links three moments. First what they claimed: "Had they wanted to go out, they would have prepared equipment for it" (9:46). Then the act of God, who is averse to their setting out and curbs them. Finally the order that places them: "Remain seated with those who remain seated" (9:46). The curb comes from outside: it is not their own slowness, it is a hand that holds them back, with those who were not leaving anyway.

The next verse gives the reason: "Had they gone out among you, they would only have increased your confusion" (9:47). Curbing them protects those who set out.

Distinctions

• بطء — to lag behind deliberately: the slowness one chooses oneself (4:72); ثبط is the curb that comes from another
• قعد — to remain seated: the state of those who do not set out; ثبط is the act that keeps them there