from בֵּן and a derivative of דָּקַר; son of piercing (or of a lance); Ben-Deker, an Israelite; the son of Dekar.
Transliteration:Ben-Deqer
Pronunciation:ben-deh'-ker
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1128}}`, *Ben-Deqer* (בֶּן־דֶּקֶר), is a compound proper noun, an anthroponym, whose meaning is derived directly from its constituent elements. It is formed from two primary components: בֵּן (*ben*, `{{H1121}}`), meaning "son," and a derivative of דָּקַר (*daqar*, `{{H1856}}`), meaning "to pierce, thrust through, stab." The noun form דֶּקֶר would therefore refer to "piercing" or an instrument of piercing, such as a "lance" or "spear." Thus, the name *Ben-Deqer* literally translates to "Son of Piercing" or "Son of the Lance." As a proper name, it designates an individual, likely indicating a patronymic ("son of Dekar") or possibly alluding to a characteristic or event associated with the family line. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, primarily functioning as an identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Ben-Deqer* (`{{H1128}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of 1 Kings:
* [[1 Kings 4:9]]: "Ben-Deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan."
This verse is part of a detailed list of Solomon's twelve district governors (1 Kings 4:7-19). These governors were responsible for provisioning the king and his household, each for one month in the year. Ben-Deker was assigned the district encompassing Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. This administrative detail highlights the highly organized and efficient nature of Solomon's kingdom, a testament to the wisdom and prosperity granted to him by God. The inclusion of such specific names and territories underscores the historicity of the biblical account and the meticulous record-keeping of the era. The name itself, while etymologically interesting, serves primarily to identify a specific individual within this administrative framework, rather than carrying explicit theological weight within the immediate context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of *Ben-Deqer* offer insights into related biblical concepts and linguistic patterns:
* **בֵּן (*ben*, `{{H1121}}`):** This is one of the most common Hebrew nouns, meaning "son," "child," or "descendant." It is foundational to understanding family lineage, inheritance, and identity in the biblical world. Many Hebrew names are patronymics, incorporating בֵּן (e.g., Benjamin, Ben-Hadad, Ben-Hur), signifying the importance of paternal lineage.
* **דָּקַר (*daqar*, `{{H1856}}`):** The verbal root from which דֶּקֶר is derived means "to pierce, thrust through, stab." This verb appears in various contexts, often denoting violence or judgment, as seen in passages like [[Numbers 25:8]] (Phinehas piercing the Israelite and Midianite woman) or [[Zechariah 12:10]] (referring to "him whom they have pierced," a passage with significant messianic implications). While the name *Ben-Deqer* might allude to this meaning, its primary function here is as a proper name, not a direct descriptor of the individual's actions.
* **Solomon's Administration:** The context of *Ben-Deqer*'s appearance relates to the broader concept of governance and the structure of Solomon's kingdom. This period, described in 1 Kings 4, signifies a time of unparalleled peace, prosperity, and administrative sophistication in Israel's history, fulfilling divine promises of a flourishing kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Ben-Deqer* (`{{H1128}}`) is primarily indirect, arising from his inclusion in the biblical narrative rather than from the intrinsic meaning of his name. As one of Solomon's twelve district governors, his existence and role contribute to the broader biblical portrayal of Solomon's reign as a period of unprecedented order, wisdom, and prosperity.
1. **Divine Blessing and Wisdom:** The detailed listing of governors in 1 Kings 4 underscores the extent of the kingdom's organization and the administrative wisdom bestowed upon Solomon by God ([[1 Kings 3:12]], [[1 Kings 4:29-30]]). Ben-Deker's presence in this list testifies to the practical outworking of God's blessing on Israel, enabling the king to govern effectively and provide for his vast household and army.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** Solomon's prosperous and well-ordered kingdom, managed by figures like Ben-Deker, represents a significant stage in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David, promising an enduring dynasty and a secure kingdom ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). The administrative structure ensured the stability and provision necessary for this divinely ordained era.
3. **Historical Veracity:** The meticulous detail of naming individual governors and their districts lends historical credibility to the biblical account, demonstrating that the narrative is grounded in real-world administrative structures, even for seemingly minor characters. This reinforces the Bible's claim as a reliable historical record of God's interaction with humanity.
While the etymological meaning "Son of Piercing" might evoke thoughts of conflict or a martial lineage, the text does not elaborate on this. Instead, Ben-Deker's role is one of peaceful administration, contributing to the overall stability and flourishing of God's people under Solomon.
### Summary
*Ben-Deqer* (`{{H1128}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Son of Piercing" or "Son of the Lance," derived from בֵּן (son) and a derivative of דָּקַר (to pierce). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[1 Kings 4:9]], where he is identified as one of the twelve district governors responsible for provisioning King Solomon's household. His inclusion in this administrative list serves to illustrate the remarkable organization, prosperity, and wisdom characteristic of Solomon's reign, which was a direct result of God's blessing. While the etymology of his name is intriguing, its primary function in the biblical narrative is to identify an individual who played a part in the divinely orchestrated period of Israel's flourishing under Solomon, thereby contributing to the overall picture of God's faithfulness and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
TRV