### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉbûwçîy**, represented by `{{H2983}}`, identifies a **Jebusite or inhabitant of Jebus**. It appears **41 times** across **39 unique verses** in the Bible. As a patrial term derived from `{{H2982}}` Jebus, it denotes the people who originally inhabited Jerusalem and are consistently listed among the tribes that God promised to drive out of the land of Canaan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2983}}` is frequently used in lists of the peoples inhabiting the promised land ([[Exodus 3:8]], [[Joshua 3:10]]). They are specifically identified as the inhabitants of Jerusalem [[Joshua 15:63]], and their city Jebus is equated with Jerusalem [[1 Chronicles 11:4]]. Despite God's command to possess the land, both the children of Judah and Benjamin failed to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, where they continued to dwell alongside the Israelites for a time ([[Joshua 15:63]], [[Judges 1:21]]). A key narrative event involves David's purchase of a threshingfloor from Araunah the Jebusite, a location that would become the site for Solomon's temple ([[2 Samuel 24:18]], [[2 Chronicles 3:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the Jebusites' identity and the peoples they lived among:
* `{{H2982}}` **Yᵉbûwç** (Jebus): This is the root word, meaning "trodden, i.e. threshing-place; Jebus, the original name of Jerusalem." The Jebusites `{{H2983}}` are the people who inhabit Jebus [[1 Chronicles 11:4]].
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (Amorite): This term for "an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes" often appears in the same lists as the Jebusites, who together are said to dwell in the mountains [[Numbers 13:29]].
* `{{H2850}}` **Chittîy** (Hittite): A "Hittite, or descendant of Cheth," this is another of the prominent tribes regularly named with the Jebusites in God's promise to give the land to Israel ([[Exodus 13:5]], [[Nehemiah 9:8]]).
* `{{H3669}}` **Kᵉnaʻanîy** (Canaanite): Meaning "a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan," this word represents the broader group of peoples to which the Jebusites belonged ([[Genesis 10:16]], [[Genesis 15:21]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2983}}` is tied to Israel's covenant and history.
* **Inhabitants of the Promised Land:** The Jebusites are consistently named as one of the seven nations "greater and mightier" than Israel that God would cast out, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His covenant promises [[Deuteronomy 7:1]].
* **Test of Obedience:** Israel's inability to fully dislodge the Jebusites from Jerusalem serves as a recurring example of incomplete obedience and the persistent challenges facing the nation in possessing their inheritance [[Judges 1:21]].
* **Foundation of Worship:** The story of David purchasing land from Ornan the Jebusite is a pivotal moment. This threshingfloor becomes the designated site for the future temple, sanctifying a piece of former Jebusite territory for God's holy dwelling place ([[1 Chronicles 21:18]], [[2 Chronicles 3:1]]).
* **Symbol of Future Inclusion:** In a prophecy regarding the Philistines, it is said that "Ekron as a Jebusite" shall be for God, suggesting a future where even former enemies could be assimilated into the people of God [[Zechariah 9:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2983}}` is far more than a simple tribal designation. The Jebusites are intrinsically linked to the history and theological significance of Jerusalem. They represent one of the original peoples of the promised land, an obstacle to Israel's complete conquest, and paradoxically, the source of the very ground upon which the Temple of the LORD was built. The story of the Jebusite illustrates God's sovereign plan to establish His presence and worship in a chosen place, even through interactions with those outside the covenant.
TRV