The Hebrew word Gibbâr, represented by H1402, is defined as "Gibbar, an Israelite." It is an intensive form of the word גְּבַר. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific individual whose descendants are mentioned in a genealogical record.
The sole use of H1402 occurs in the context of the census of the families returning from the Babylonian exile. In Ezra 2:20, the text lists "The children of Gibbar, ninety and five." This usage establishes Gibbâr as the progenitor of a family or clan that maintained its identity during the captivity and was part of the restoration of Israel. The name functions purely as a proper noun to specify a particular lineage within the returning community.
Several words from its single scriptural appearance provide essential context:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes the genealogical link, identifying the ninety-five individuals as the "children" or descendants of Gibbar Ezra 2:20. Its use is foundational to tracking lineage and inheritance throughout scripture, such as when fathers are instructed to teach God's commands to their sons and their sons' sons Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H8673 tishʻîym (ninety): A primitive numeral used to quantify the number of Gibbar's descendants. It precisely records the size of this returning family group Ezra 2:20. The word is also used to mark significant ages, as when Sarah was ninety years old Genesis 17:17.
- H2568 châmêsh (five): This numeral works in conjunction with "ninety" to complete the count of Gibbar's children Ezra 2:20. It frequently appears in census data and other enumerations, such as counting Job's livestock Job 1:3 or the men who worshipped the sun in Ezekiel's vision Ezekiel 8:16.
While appearing only once, the mention of H1402 carries theological weight through its context.
- Genealogical Preservation: The specific mention of "The children of Gibbar" in a census of returnees demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving the distinct family lines of Israel, even through the dispersion of exile Ezra 2:20.
- Covenant Restoration: The counting of Gibbar's descendants is part of the larger narrative of covenant fulfillment, where God gathers His people back to their land. Each named family, including Gibbar's, is a testament to this restoration.
- Individual in Community: The name, tied to a specific number of descendants, highlights that God's redemptive plan involves real individuals and families. The precise count of "ninety and five" shows that each person was accounted for in the reconstitution of the nation Ezra 2:20.
In summary, H1402 is the proper name Gibbâr, identifying an Israelite patriarch whose family is recorded among those returning from exile. Although its appearance is limited to a single verse, its inclusion in the post-exilic census is significant. It serves as a marker of identity, demonstrating the importance of lineage in the restored community and acting as a small but concrete piece of evidence for God's faithfulness in preserving and reorganizing His people according to their ancestral houses.
TRV