### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chebrôwn**, represented by `{{H2275}}`, is defined as a "seat of association." It appears **71 times** across **66 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily designating a major city in Palestine. The name is also used for two Israelites, highlighting its significance in both geography and lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2275}}` is central to several key eras. For the patriarchs, it was a primary residence where Abram **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` and **built** `{{H1129}}` an **altar** `{{H4196}}` [[Genesis 13:18]], and where Sarah **died** `{{H4191}}` and was **buried** `{{H6912}}` ([[Genesis 23:2]], [[Genesis 23:19]]). During the conquest of Canaan, it was a formidable city inhabited by the **Anakims** `{{H6062}}` that was captured by Joshua [[Joshua 11:21]] and later given to Caleb as his **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` [[Joshua 14:13]]. Subsequently, Hebron became the first capital of King David, who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` there over Judah for seven years [[2 Samuel 5:5]] and where he was **anointed** `{{H4886}}` **king** `{{H4428}}` over all Israel [[1 Chronicles 11:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide context for Hebron's significance:
* `{{H7153}}` **Qiryath ʼArbaʻ** (Kirjatharba): The original name for Hebron, meaning "city of Arba" ([[Joshua 14:15]], [[Judges 1:10]]), who was the **father** `{{H1}}` of **Anak** `{{H6061}}` [[Joshua 21:11]].
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb): The faithful Israelite to whom Hebron was given as an **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` because he wholly followed the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Joshua 14:14]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The king who was divinely instructed to go to Hebron after Saul's death [[2 Samuel 2:1]] and established his first **kingdom** `{{H4438}}` there.
* `{{H6062}}` **ʻĂnâqîy** (Anakim): The giant descendants of **Anak** `{{H6061}}` who inhabited Hebron before being driven out by Caleb [[Judges 1:20]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H2275}}` carries significant weight, marking it as a location of divine action and promise.
* **Patriarchal Heritage:** As a place where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob **sojourned** `{{H1481}}` and where Sarah was buried, Hebron establishes an ancient and foundational connection between the patriarchs and the promised land [[Genesis 35:27]].
* **Royal Consecration:** The city served as the divinely appointed starting point for David's kingdom. It was in Hebron that the tribes of Israel gathered to make a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` with David, anointing him king according to the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[1 Chronicles 11:3]].
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** The conquest of Hebron and its award to Caleb represents the fulfillment of God's promise to reward faithfulness. It was a tangible sign of God giving the land to His people [[Joshua 14:13]].
* **Place of Refuge:** Hebron's designation as a city of **refuge** `{{H4733}}` [[Joshua 20:7]] marks it as a site integrated into the legal and merciful framework of the nation of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2275}}` is far more than a simple place name. As a "seat of association," it links the patriarchal promises, the fulfillment of the conquest, and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. From a family burial plot securing a foothold in Canaan to the first capital of Israel's greatest king, Hebron serves as a consistent landmark of God's unfolding plan for His people.
TRV