the same as חֶבֶר; community; Cheber, the name of a Kenite and of three Israelites; Heber.
Transliteration:Cheber
Pronunciation:kheh'-ber
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2268}}`, *Cheber* (חֶבֶר), functions primarily as a proper noun, a personal name. Its root meaning is deeply connected to the concept of "community," "association," or "fellowship." This is explicitly stated in its base definition, which links it to the common noun *cheber* (חֶבֶר), typically cataloged as `{{H2270}}`, meaning "association, company, band." Therefore, the name *Cheber* carries the semantic weight of one who belongs to a group, or perhaps one who embodies the idea of unity and shared life. It speaks to the fundamental human need for belonging and the formation of social bonds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Cheber* (Heber) appears in the biblical text referring to four distinct individuals:
1. **A Son of Beriah, Grandson of Asher:** Mentioned in the tribal census of Israel, *Cheber* is listed as a son of Beriah, a descendant of Asher, and the progenitor of the Heberite clan ([[Numbers 26:45]]). This occurrence places *Cheber* within the genealogical framework of Israel, highlighting his role in the formation of a family unit within the larger community of the tribe of Asher.
2. **The Kenite:** This is arguably the most prominent figure bearing the name. *Cheber* the Kenite is introduced in the book of Judges as a man who had "separated himself from the Kenites, from the children of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and pitched his tent as far as the terebinth of Zaanannim, which is beside Kedesh" ([[Judges 4:11]]). His wife, Jael, is famously known for killing Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, in their tent ([[Judges 4:17]], [[Judges 5:24]]). The irony of *Cheber*'s name, meaning "community" or "association," is striking given his act of *separation* from his own Kenite kin. This separation, however, positions his household to play a pivotal role in Israel's deliverance, demonstrating God's sovereign use of individuals from unexpected backgrounds.
3. **A Son of Mered, Descendant of Judah:** In the genealogies of Judah, *Cheber* is listed as a son of Mered, whose wife Hodiah (or Bithiah, Pharaoh's daughter) bore him children ([[1 Chronicles 4:18]]). This appearance reinforces the genealogical significance of the name within the lineage of the covenant people.
4. **A Chief of Gad:** In the account of the Transjordanian tribes, *Cheber* is mentioned among the chiefs of Gad who resided in Bashan ([[1 Chronicles 5:13]]). This again places the name within the leadership structure of an Israelite tribe, underscoring its association with communal identity and leadership.
In each instance, the name *Cheber* grounds the individual within a specific community, whether a family clan, a nomadic tribe, or a tribal leadership structure, even when the individual's actions (like the Kenite's separation) might seem to contradict the name's inherent meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relatives of `{{H2268}}` are:
* **`{{H2270}}` (חֶבֶר, *cheber*):** This is the common noun from which the proper name derives, meaning "association, company, band, charm (as in magic)." It denotes a group or a collective entity.
* **`{{H2266}}` (חָבַר, *chabar*):** The verbal root meaning "to join, unite, bind together, associate oneself." This verb captures the action of forming a *cheber* (community).
* **`{{H2267}}` (חָבֵר, *chaber*):** A related noun meaning "companion, associate, fellow."
These linguistic connections underscore the core concepts associated with *Cheber*:
* **Community and Fellowship:** The fundamental idea of individuals coming together to form a group, whether for social, familial, or professional purposes.
* **Unity and Association:** The act of binding together, forming alliances, or sharing common purpose.
* **Belonging:** The inherent human desire and divine design for individuals to exist within a collective, rather than in isolation.
### Theological Significance
While *Cheber* is a proper noun and does not carry direct theological doctrine, its underlying semantic root offers several profound insights:
1. **God's Design for Community:** The very existence of a name meaning "community" reflects the biblical emphasis on communal life. From the family unit to the nation of Israel, and ultimately to the Church, God consistently works through and establishes communities. Humanity is created for relationship, both with God and with one another.
2. **The Nature of Covenant:** The concept of "joining" or "binding together" is central to the biblical understanding of covenant. God "associates" Himself with His people through covenant, forming a unique community with them. This is seen in the Abrahamic covenant, the Mosaic covenant, and ultimately the New Covenant in Christ, where believers are "joined" to Christ and to one another in the body of Christ.
3. **Divine Sovereignty in Unexpected Places:** The story of *Cheber* the Kenite is a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty. Despite his separation from his kin, and his non-Israelite background, his household becomes instrumental in a key moment of Israel's history. Jael's act, within *Cheber*'s tent, demonstrates that God can use anyone, even those outside the conventional "community" of Israel, to accomplish His purposes. This highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, which is not confined by human categories.
4. **Identity and Belonging:** The genealogies featuring *Cheber* emphasize the importance of lineage and belonging within the covenant community. One's identity is often tied to their family and tribal associations, reflecting God's ordered creation and His plan for His people to be a distinct community in the world.
### Summary
`{{H2268}}`, *Cheber* (חֶבֶר), is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name, derived from a root meaning "community" or "association." It signifies one who belongs to or embodies the idea of a collective. The name appears in the biblical text referring to four distinct individuals: a descendant of Asher, a Kenite (husband of Jael), a descendant of Judah, and a chief of Gad. The most notable is *Cheber* the Kenite, whose act of separation from his kin ironically sets the stage for his household to play a crucial role in Israel's deliverance through Jael's actions. The theological significance of *Cheber* lies not in the name itself as a direct doctrine, but in its underlying semantic connection to biblical themes of God's design for community, the nature of covenantal relationships, the importance of belonging, and the pervasive reach of divine sovereignty even through unexpected individuals and circumstances.
TRV