from גָּנַב; theft; Genubath, an Edomitish prince; Genubath.
Transliteration:Gᵉnubath
Pronunciation:ghen-oo-bath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word גְּנֻבַת (Gᵉnubath), Strong's number `{{H1592}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its base definition indicates a derivation from גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`), meaning "to steal," "to carry away," or "to deceive." Thus, the name "Genubath" literally signifies "theft" or "something stolen." As a personal name, it would imply a person who is "stolen" or perhaps one whose very existence or acquisition is akin to a theft. This etymological root often carries connotations of illicit acquisition, clandestine activity, or deception, and its application to a personal name invites deeper contextual inquiry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Genubath appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Kings:
* **[[1 Kings 11:20]]**: "And the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath her son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh’s house; and Genubath was in Pharaoh’s house among the sons of Pharaoh."
This verse introduces Genubath as the son of Hadad the Edomite, a significant adversary to King Solomon, and an unnamed sister of Pharaoh's queen, Tahpenes. Hadad had fled to Egypt as a child during David's conquest of Edom, finding refuge and favor with Pharaoh. Genubath, therefore, represents a unique geopolitical and familial nexus: an Edomite prince, born in Egypt, raised within the royal household of Pharaoh.
The name's meaning, "theft" or "something stolen," takes on intriguing layers in this context. It could allude to Hadad's own status as one "stolen" or carried away from his homeland, or perhaps to the "theft" of potential peace that Genubath, as a symbol of the Edomite threat, represented for Israel. His upbringing in Pharaoh's house also signifies a "stolen" identity, being raised as an Egyptian prince despite his Edomite heritage. This single occurrence, though brief, highlights the complex network of alliances and antagonisms that shaped the geopolitical landscape during the united monarchy, particularly as Solomon's reign began its decline due to his idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to גְּנֻבַת (Gᵉnubath) is its root verb, גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`). This verb is foundational to understanding the name's etymological depth and is widely used in the Hebrew Bible.
* **גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`):** "To steal," "to carry away," "to deceive." This verb appears frequently in legal and moral contexts, most notably in the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" ([[Exodus 20:15]]; [[Deuteronomy 5:19]]). It encompasses not only the physical act of taking property illicitly but also deception and kidnapping ([[Genesis 31:20]], Jacob "stealing away" from Laban; [[Genesis 40:15]], Joseph "stolen" from his land).
* **Concepts of Illicit Gain:** The name "Genubath" resonates with broader biblical warnings against unjust acquisition and the consequences thereof. Scriptures frequently condemn those who gain wealth through dishonest means ([[Proverbs 1:19]]; [[Jeremiah 17:11]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** Though a foreign prince, Genubath's story, like that of his father Hadad, illustrates God's sovereign hand in raising up and bringing down nations and individuals, even those seemingly outside of Israel's direct covenant. These figures often serve as instruments or consequences within God's larger redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
While Genubath himself is a minor figure, his existence and the meaning of his name carry subtle theological weight within the broader biblical narrative.
1. **Consequences of Disobedience:** Genubath's father, Hadad, became an adversary to Solomon because God "raised up an adversary to Solomon" ([[1 Kings 11:14]]) due to Solomon's sin. Genubath, as Hadad's heir and a product of his integration into a foreign power, symbolizes the enduring threat that arose from Israel's spiritual compromise. His very name, "theft," could subtly underscore the "theft" of peace and prosperity that Solomon's idolatry occasioned for his kingdom.
2. **The Nature of Opposition:** The name "Genubath" might implicitly suggest the deceptive or insidious nature of the opposition Israel faced. Adversaries like Hadad, though initially fleeing, returned to trouble Israel, representing a persistent challenge often rooted in historical grievances (Edom's ancient conflict with Israel, stemming from Jacob and Esau).
3. **God's Use of Foreigners:** Even figures like Genubath, born into a foreign royal house and bearing a name with potentially negative connotations, are part of the divine tapestry. Their stories, however brief, serve to illustrate God's overarching control and His ability to orchestrate events, even through those who are not part of His covenant people, to fulfill His purposes and administer justice.
4. **The Burden of Names:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance. "Genubath" might reflect a family history of displacement or a foreboding about the character's future role, even if not explicitly stated. It stands in stark contrast to names that signify blessing, covenant, or divine attributes, highlighting the different spiritual trajectories of individuals and nations.
### Summary
גְּנֻבַת (Gᵉnubath, `{{H1592}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, appearing once in [[1 Kings 11:20]]. Derived from the verb גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`), meaning "to steal" or "something stolen," the name carries an intriguing etymological weight. Genubath was the Edomite prince, son of Hadad and Pharaoh's sister, raised in the Egyptian royal court. His singular mention highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics during Solomon's reign, where external adversaries were raised up by God as a consequence of Israel's sin. The name "theft" subtly points to the illicit nature of conflict, the displacement of individuals, and the "stolen" peace for Israel due to its king's spiritual decline. The study of "Genubath" ultimately underscores God's sovereign control over nations and His use of all figures, even minor ones with evocative names, to unfold His divine plan and administer justice.
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