### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hillêl**, represented by `{{H1985}}`, is defined as **praising (namely God); Hillel, an Israelite**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 verses** of the Old Testament. This term is not a common verb or noun but is used exclusively as the proper name of a specific individual mentioned in the book of Judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1985}}` is used to identify the father of Abdon, a judge of Israel. The text states, "And after him Abdon the son of **Hillel**, a Pirathonite, judged Israel" [[Judges 12:13]]. This establishes Hillel's identity through his son's leadership role. His story concludes with the record of his son's death, noting that Abdon was "buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites" [[Judges 12:15]], further cementing the family's geographic and tribal connection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Hillel:
* `{{H5658}}` **ʻAbdôwn** (servitude; Abdon, the name of a place in Palestine and of four Israelites): This is the name of Hillel's son, who rose to become a judge over Israel [[Judges 12:13]].
* `{{H6553}}` **Pirʻâthôwnîy** (a Pirathonite or inhabitant of Pirathon): This patrial name is used to describe both Hillel and his son Abdon, tying their identity to the specific location of Pirathon [[Judges 12:13]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge... govern): This verb describes the action performed by Hillel's son, Abdon, defining his significant role in the history of Israel [[Judges 12:13]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1985}}` is entirely connected to the lineage and identity of leadership in Israel.
* **Patriarchal Lineage:** Hillel is mentioned only as a father, specifically "the son of Hillel" ([[Judges 12:13]], [[Judges 12:15]]). His identity serves to establish the paternal line of a judge of Israel.
* **Geographic Identity:** The repeated mention of Hillel as a "Pirathonite" `{{H6553}}` from the land of Ephraim grounds his family in a specific time and place within the tribal territories [[Judges 12:15]].
* **Connection to Governance:** While Hillel himself is not shown in a leadership role, his name is preserved in scripture because his son, Abdon, judged `{{H8199}}` Israel, linking Hillel directly to the nation's governance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1985}}` **Hillêl** is not a word with broad theological meaning but the proper name of an Israelite whose importance is defined by his progeny. Mentioned only twice, his significance is derived entirely from his status as the father of Abdon, a Pirathonite who judged Israel. The use of this name serves to anchor a key leader in the book of Judges within a specific family and location.
TRV