only in plural, from an unused root meaning to be hard; ebony; ebony.
Transliteration:hôben
Pronunciation:ho'-ben
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma הֹבֶן (hôben), transliterated as *hôben*, refers exclusively to "ebony." This noun appears only in its plural form in the Hebrew Bible. The Strong's definition notes its derivation from an unused root, which is inferred to mean "to be hard." This etymological connection perfectly aligns with the physical properties of ebony wood, renowned for its exceptional density, hardness, and often dark, lustrous appearance. The semantic range of *hôben* is therefore highly specific, denoting this particular valuable and exotic timber, characterized by its inherent durability and aesthetic appeal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הֹבֶן (hôben) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the prophetic book of Ezekiel.
* [[Ezekiel 27:15]]: "The men of Dedan were your merchants; many coastlands were your own special markets; they brought you in payment ivory tusks and ebony."
This solitary occurrence is found within Ezekiel's elaborate lament over Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state renowned for its vast maritime trade network and immense wealth. In this passage, Tyre is personified as a magnificent ship, and various nations are depicted as its merchants and suppliers. Dedan, likely referring to a region in Arabia or a broader trading sphere extending to Africa or India, is cited as a source of "ivory tusks and ebony." The pairing of ebony with ivory underscores its status as a highly prized and luxurious commodity in the ancient Near Eastern world. Its inclusion in this detailed inventory of Tyre's imports highlights the city's opulence and its access to rare and valuable goods from distant lands, reflecting its commercial prowess and material prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
While הֹבֶן (hôben) is unique in its specific reference to ebony, its context in [[Ezekiel 27:15]] connects it to broader concepts of trade, luxury, and exotic materials.
* **Trade and Commerce:** The entire chapter of Ezekiel 27 is a rich tapestry illustrating the intricate network of ancient trade routes and the exchange of goods. Ebony is listed among other valuable commodities such as silver, iron, tin, lead, bronze, horses, mules, spices, precious stones, gold, and fine textiles.
* **Luxury Goods:** Like ivory, precious stones, and rare metals, ebony was considered a luxury item, often used for furniture, decorative inlays, musical instruments, and other fine craftsmanship. Its hardness made it suitable for durable and intricate work.
* **Materials and Resources:** The general Hebrew term for "wood" is עֵץ (ʿets, `{{H6086}}`), but *hôben* specifies a particular, highly valued type of wood. Its quality and scarcity made it distinct from common timbers.
* **Geographical Origin:** The association with Dedan suggests a source from distant, likely tropical, regions, emphasizing the global reach of Tyre's trade.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of הֹבֶן (hôben) is not found in the material itself, but rather in its contextual role within the prophetic message of Ezekiel.
* **Symbol of Earthly Wealth and Pride:** The listing of ebony, along with other valuable commodities, contributes to the vivid portrayal of Tyre's extraordinary material prosperity and self-sufficiency. This accumulation of wealth and luxury goods became a source of the city's pride and arrogance, leading it to believe in its own invincibility.
* **Warning Against Materialism:** The lament over Tyre serves as a powerful prophetic warning against placing ultimate trust and security in earthly riches and human enterprise. The very wealth that made Tyre glorious ultimately contributed to its downfall, as God's judgment was pronounced against its hubris. Ebony, as a symbol of this accumulated wealth, implicitly participates in this theological lesson about the fleeting nature of worldly glory.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** Even as Tyre's commercial success is detailed, the overarching message of Ezekiel 27 is God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. The exotic goods, including ebony, are part of the tapestry woven by human hands, but the ultimate destiny of Tyre rests in the hands of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֹבֶן (hôben, `{{H1894}}`) denotes "ebony," a hard, dense, and valuable wood, derived from an unused root meaning "to be hard." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Ezekiel 27:15]], where it is listed among the precious commodities traded by the opulent city of Tyre, alongside ivory. In this context, *hôben* serves as a symbol of Tyre's vast commercial network, its immense wealth, and its reliance on luxury goods from distant lands. Theologically, its inclusion contributes to the prophetic indictment against Tyre's pride and materialism, underscoring the transient nature of earthly prosperity when it supplants dependence upon God.
TRV