from חֶלֶב; fruitful; Chelbon, a place in Syria; Helbah.
Transliteration:Chelbôwn
Pronunciation:khel-bone'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2463}}` חֶלְבּוֹן (Chelbôwn) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its etymological root is derived from `{{H2459}}` חֶלֶב (chelev), which literally means "fat" but semantically extends to denote the "richest," "best," or "choicest part" of something. This underlying meaning informs the transliterated form "Chelbon" and the associated definition "fruitful." Thus, the name itself carries connotations of abundance, richness, and high quality, reflecting the perceived characteristics or produce of the place it identifies. The definition explicitly states it is "a place in Syria," indicating its geopolitical context within the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2463}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 27:18]]: "Damascus was your merchant for the abundance of your products, for the abundance of all kinds of wealth; with the wine of Helbon and white wool."
In this passage, Ezekiel delivers a lamentation concerning the maritime city of Tyre, describing its vast commercial network and the diverse goods traded with various nations. Helbon is mentioned as the source of a renowned wine, traded by Damascus to Tyre. The inclusion of "wine of Helbon" alongside "white wool" signifies these as luxury or high-quality commodities, indicative of Tyre's extensive and prosperous trade relationships. The context highlights Helbon's reputation for producing a superior agricultural product, reinforcing the etymological sense of "fruitful" or "choicest." This single occurrence provides a glimpse into the economic realities and geographical connections of the ancient world, where certain regions were celebrated for their specific, high-value exports.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root noun `{{H2459}}` חֶלֶב (chelev), from which `{{H2463}}` is derived. `{{H2459}}` frequently appears in the Pentateuch in the context of sacrificial offerings, where the "fat" of an animal was specifically designated as belonging to Yahweh, representing the choicest and most valuable portion to be offered ([[Leviticus 3:16]], [[Leviticus 7:25]]). This connection underscores the idea of "best" or "richest."
Concepts related to `{{H2463}}` include:
* **Abundance and Fertility:** Directly linked to the idea of "fruitful" and the production of a high-quality agricultural product like wine.
* **Commerce and Trade:** The mention in Ezekiel places Helbon within the broader network of ancient Near Eastern trade routes, highlighting the exchange of valuable goods.
* **Luxury Goods:** "Wine of Helbon" is presented as a premium commodity, alongside "white wool," suggesting its high value and desirability.
* **Geographical Identity:** As a place name, it contributes to the biblical geography, locating a specific region known for its produce.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2463}}` primarily denotes a geographical location and a commodity, its inclusion in the prophetic literature carries subtle theological implications.
1. **Divine Provision and Creation's Bounty:** The existence of a place like Helbon, renowned for its excellent wine, implicitly points to the richness and fruitfulness of God's creation. Even in lands outside of Israel, the earth yields its bounty, reflecting God's general providence over all nations and the natural world.
2. **Context of Judgment and Pride:** The mention of Helbon's wine occurs within Ezekiel's oracle against Tyre, a city whose immense wealth and commercial success led to profound pride ([[Ezekiel 28:5]]). The enumeration of Tyre's vast resources, including the wine of Helbon, serves to magnify the extent of its earthly glory, which ultimately became a source of its downfall. This illustrates a recurring biblical theme: while material blessings are from God, placing ultimate trust or glory in them rather than in the Giver leads to spiritual ruin and divine judgment.
3. **Sovereignty Over Nations:** God's knowledge of and judgment upon nations like Tyre and Damascus, including their specific trade goods and sources, underscores His comprehensive sovereignty over all human endeavors, economies, and geopolitical realities.
### Summary
`{{H2463}}` חֶלְבּוֹן (Chelbôwn) is a Hebrew proper noun, identifying a place in Syria. Its etymological root, `{{H2459}}` חֶלֶב (chelev), signifies "fat" or the "choicest/richest part," lending to `{{H2463}}` the meaning of "fruitful." This term appears only once in the Bible, in [[Ezekiel 27:18]], where "wine of Helbon" is listed as a high-quality commodity traded by Damascus to Tyre. This single occurrence establishes Helbon's reputation for producing superior goods, aligning with its underlying semantic range of abundance and excellence. Theologically, `{{H2463}}` indirectly highlights the richness of God's creation and His universal provision. More significantly, in the context of Ezekiel's judgment against Tyre, it contributes to the portrayal of the city's vast material wealth, serving as a backdrop for the prophetic warning against pride and reliance on earthly prosperity rather than on the divine.
TRV