from the same as גִּבֵּן; a hump or peak of hills; high.
Transliteration:gabnôn
Pronunciation:gab-nohn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1386}}` (גַּבְנֹן, *gabnôn*) is derived from the same root as `{{H1378}}` (גִּבֵּן, *gibben*), which means "humpbacked." This etymological connection immediately suggests a core meaning related to a prominent, rounded, or elevated physical feature. The base definition provided specifies "a hump or peak of hills" and "high." Thus, its semantic range is primarily topographical, denoting an elevated landform, a summit, or a distinct protuberance on the earth's surface. It conveys the sense of elevation and a noticeable, often rounded, prominence within a landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1386}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 68:16]]. The verse reads: "Why look ye askance, ye mountains of many humps? The mountain God desired for His dwelling; indeed, the LORD will dwell there forever."
In this sole occurrence, *gabnôn* is used in the plural, describing "mountains of many humps" or "high hills." The context of Psalm 68 is a grand triumphal procession of God, celebrating His power, sovereignty, and victorious leading of His people. The "mountains of many humps" are depicted as looking "askance" or "enviously" at Mount Zion, which God has chosen as His perpetual dwelling place. The term *gabnôn* here emphasizes the physical impressiveness and numerous peaks of these other mountains, highlighting their natural grandeur. However, their physical stature is implicitly diminished in comparison to the spiritual significance and divine election of Mount Zion. The rhetorical question challenges their envy, asserting Zion's unique status due to God's choice. Thus, *gabnôn* serves to describe a physical reality (high, multi-peaked mountains) that is then contrasted with a theological truth (God's sovereign election of a specific place).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H1378}}` (גִּבֵּן, *gibben*), "humpbacked," from which *gabnôn* is derived. This connection reinforces the imagery of a rounded, elevated protuberance. Other related concepts include:
* **`{{H2022}}` (הַר, *har*)**: The general Hebrew word for "mountain" or "hill," which provides the broader category for *gabnôn*.
* **Elevation/Height**: The concept of being "high" is central to *gabnôn*. This connects it to a broader semantic field of words denoting height, such as `{{H1389}}` (גָּבַהּ, *gavah*), "to be high, exalted."
* **Mount Zion (`{{H6726}}`)**: While not directly related by root, Mount Zion is the theological counterpoint to the *gabnôn* mountains in [[Psalm 68:16]]. The contrast between their physical prominence and Zion's divine election is central to the verse's meaning.
* **Envy/Jealousy**: The verb "look askance" (רָצַד, *ratsad*, `{{H7518}}`) used in conjunction with *gabnôn* mountains suggests a personification of these mountains, implying their envy of Zion's favored status.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H1386}}` in [[Psalm 68:16]] carries significant theological weight. The "mountains of many humps" represent the world's natural grandeur, its impressive physical features, and perhaps even its claims to greatness. They are physically "high" and majestic. However, their natural impressiveness is starkly contrasted with the divine choice of Mount Zion. This highlights a profound theological principle: God's favor and presence are not determined by the world's standards of inherent greatness, physical prominence, or natural beauty. Instead, God sovereignly chooses His dwelling place and His people, often elevating what might seem less outwardly spectacular to demonstrate His unique power and grace.
The implied "envy" of the *gabnôn* mountains underscores that even creation, in a poetic sense, recognizes and perhaps resents God's unique covenantal relationship with Zion. It serves to magnify God's sovereign election and the preeminence of His chosen dwelling place over all other natural wonders. The word *gabnôn*, though descriptive of a physical feature, ultimately functions to underscore a theological truth about divine choice and the supremacy of God's will over mere earthly impressiveness.
### Summary
`{{H1386}}` (גַּבְנֹן, *gabnôn*) is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only once in the Bible, describing a "hump or peak of hills," emphasizing elevation and distinct prominence. Its root connection to "humpbacked" reinforces the imagery of a rounded, elevated protuberance. In its sole occurrence in [[Psalm 68:16]], it refers to "mountains of many humps" that are rhetorically depicted as envious of Mount Zion, which God chose as His dwelling. Theologically, *gabnôn* serves as a powerful contrast, highlighting that God's divine election and presence are not predicated on the world's standards of physical grandeur or natural impressiveness. It underscores God's sovereign choice and the unique spiritual significance of His chosen place, Mount Zion, over all other naturally majestic formations.
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