from חֶבֶר; seat of association; Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites; Hebron.
Transliteration:Chebrôwn
Pronunciation:kheb-rone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn, `{{H2275}}`) derives from the root חֶבֶר (cheber, `{{H2270}}`), which carries the core meaning of "association," "fellowship," "company," or "joining." Thus, the name Chebrôwn itself signifies "seat of association" or "place of joining/fellowship." Semantically, it primarily refers to a prominent city in the Judean hills, Hebron, but also serves as the name for two individuals in the biblical record. The underlying etymology suggests a place of gathering, alliance, or covenant, reflecting its historical significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn) in the Bible fall into two main categories:
* **Geographical Location (Hebron):** This is the predominant usage and refers to one of the oldest continually inhabited cities.
* **Patriarchal Era:** Hebron is first encountered in the narrative of Abraham, who settled there ([[Genesis 13:18]]). It became the burial site for Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob, within the Cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite ([[Genesis 23:2]], [[Genesis 23:19]], [[Genesis 49:29-31]], [[Genesis 50:13]]). This purchase was a foundational act, establishing a legal claim to the land.
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** During the Israelite conquest, Hebron was a stronghold of the Anakim ([[Numbers 13:22]], [[Joshua 14:15]]). It was famously granted to Caleb as his inheritance due to his faithfulness ([[Joshua 14:13-14]], [[Joshua 15:13-14]]).
* **Levitical and Refuge City:** Hebron was designated as one of the cities of refuge for unintentional manslayers ([[Joshua 20:7]]) and a Levitical city for the Kohathites ([[Joshua 21:13]]).
* **Davidic Kingdom:** Notably, Hebron served as David's first capital for seven and a half years following Saul's death, where he was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel ([[2 Samuel 2:1-4]], [[2 Samuel 5:5]]). Absalom later exploited Hebron as the base for his rebellion against David ([[2 Samuel 15:7-10]]).
* **Personal Names:**
* A son of Kohath, a grandson of Levi, whose descendants formed a significant clan of Levites known as the Hebronites ([[Exodus 6:18]], [[Numbers 3:19]], [[1 Chronicles 6:2]], [[1 Chronicles 6:18]], [[1 Chronicles 23:12]], [[1 Chronicles 23:19]], [[1 Chronicles 26:23]], [[1 Chronicles 26:30-31]]).
* A descendant of Caleb, mentioned in the genealogies of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:43]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* חֶבֶר (cheber, `{{H2270}}`): The direct root, signifying "association," "fellowship," or "joining." This etymological link highlights Hebron's role as a place of significant alliances, covenants, and collective identity.
* בְּרִית (berith, `{{H1285}}`): "Covenant." Hebron is intrinsically tied to the Abrahamic covenant, particularly through the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, which solidified the promise of land.
* מַכְפֵּלָה (Machpelah, `{{H4376}}`): The specific cave and field near Hebron that became the patriarchal burial site. This location is inseparable from Hebron's identity as a place of ancestral heritage and the continuity of God's promises.
* עִיר מִקְלָט (ʿir miqlaṭ): "City of refuge." Hebron's designation as such underscores its function as a place of protection and justice, aligning with the idea of a "seat of association" where order and communal well-being are upheld.
### Theological Significance
Hebron holds profound theological significance throughout the biblical narrative:
* **Covenantal Foundation:** Hebron serves as a tangible witness to the Abrahamic covenant. Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah was not merely a real estate transaction but a faith-filled act, establishing a legal and spiritual foothold for his descendants in the Promised Land, thereby anchoring God's promises.
* **Patriarchal Continuity:** As the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives (excluding Rachel), Hebron embodies the continuity of God's covenant with successive generations. It is a sacred site that connects the patriarchs, underscoring the enduring nature of divine promises across time.
* **Royal Legitimacy:** David's anointing and initial reign in Hebron signify its role as a place of legitimate authority and divine appointment. It was from Hebron that the nascent Israelite monarchy began to consolidate, bridging the ancient patriarchal promises with the establishment of the kingdom.
* **Divine Providence Amidst Conflict:** Despite its history involving the formidable Anakim and later Absalom's rebellion, Hebron consistently remained central to God's redemptive plan. Its role as a city of refuge also highlights God's provision for justice and safety within the community.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn, `{{H2275}}`), meaning "seat of association" or "place of fellowship," is a name of immense historical and theological weight in the Bible. Primarily referring to a pivotal city in the Judean hills, Hebron is first encountered as Abraham's dwelling and the sacred burial site of the patriarchs and matriarchs in the Cave of Machpelah ([[Genesis 23:19]]). This act of purchase solidified the covenantal promise of land. Later, Hebron became Caleb's inheritance ([[Joshua 14:13-14]]), a city of refuge ([[Joshua 20:7]]), and notably, David's first capital ([[2 Samuel 2:1-4]]). The name also identifies two individuals, including a grandson of Levi whose descendants were known as the Hebronites. Theologically, Hebron stands as a powerful symbol of God's enduring covenant with Abraham, the continuity of patriarchal heritage, and the divine establishment of Israelite kingship, embodying the unfolding of God's plan through generations.
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