### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Ben-Deqer**, represented by `{{H1128}}`, is defined as **son of piercing (or of a lance); Ben-Deker, an Israelite; the son of Dekar**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This name identifies a specific individual by his lineage, literally meaning "the son of Dekar."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H1128}}` is in an administrative list. In the biblical narrative, Ben-Deqer is named as one of the officers responsible for providing for King Solomon's household. His jurisdiction included a specific region composed of several towns, as detailed in the record of Solomon's officials [[1 Kings 4:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The passage mentioning Ben-Deqer connects him to his father and the region he managed:
* `{{H1857}}` **Deqer** (Dekar): This is the name of Ben-Deqer's father. The definition provided is "Deker, an Israelite."
* `{{H4739}}` **Mâqats** (Makaz): A location within Ben-Deqer's administrative district, defined as "Makaz, a place in Palestine" [[1 Kings 4:9]].
* `{{H8169}}` **Shaʻalbîym** (Shaalbim): Another location under his authority, defined as "Shaalbim or Shaalabbin, a place in Palestine" [[1 Kings 4:9]].
* `{{H1053}}` **Bêyth Shemesh** (Beth-shemesh): A key city in the region, defined as "Beth-Shemesh, a place in Palestine" [[1 Kings 4:9]].
* `{{H358}}` **ʼÊylôwn Bêyth Chânân** (Elon-bethhanan): The final location listed in his territory, defined as "Elon of Beth-chanan, a place in Palestine" [[1 Kings 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
While the name Ben-Deqer does not carry direct theological weight, its inclusion in scripture is significant for historical and administrative reasons.
* **Historical Record:** The mention of Ben-Deqer provides a specific detail about the civil organization of Solomon's kingdom, underscoring the structured nature of his rule.
* **Patronymic Identity:** The use of the name, meaning "son of Dekar," reflects the common biblical practice of identifying individuals through their paternal lineage, establishing a clear line of identity.
* **Geographical Context:** The listing of his territory helps to map the administrative divisions of Israel during this period, preserving a snapshot of the kingdom's scope [[1 Kings 4:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1128}}` is the proper name of an Israelite officer from the time of King Solomon. It is a patronymic, identifying him as the son of Dekar. Its sole biblical mention in [[1 Kings 4:9]] is not for theological instruction but for historical documentation, illustrating the organized administration of the kingdom and preserving the names of the men and places that constituted it.
TRV