from חָבָה; hidden; Jechubbah, an Israelite; Jehubbah.
Transliteration:Yᵉchubbâh
Pronunciation:yekh-oob-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3160}}` (Yᵉchubbâh) is a proper noun, a personal name, derived from the root חָבָה (châbâh), which means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to take refuge." The name `{{H3160}}` itself carries the meaning "hidden" or "he will hide." As a passive participle, it can be understood as "one who is hidden" or "that which is hidden." This root often implies a state of being concealed, either for protection, security, or perhaps obscurity. The semantic range of the root חָבָה includes the act of seeking shelter (e.g., [[Genesis 3:8]], [[Psalm 119:114]]) and the idea of God's protective concealment of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 32:7]]). Thus, the name `{{H3160}}` inherently suggests a connection to these themes of concealment, whether by divine action or human disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3160}}` (Yᵉchubbâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:35]]: "The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amel. The sons of Zophah: Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah, and Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera. The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pispa, and Ara. The sons of Ulla: Arah, and Hanniel, and Rizia. All these were the sons of Asher, heads of the fathers' houses, choice and mighty men of valor, chief of the princes. And the number of them in the genealogy by their divisions, for service in war, was twenty-six thousand men."
Within this extensive list of descendants of Asher, Yᵉchubbâh is mentioned as one of the "sons of Jether" (though the Masoretic Text actually lists him as a son of Jether, a son of Zophah, a son of Helem, a brother of Shamer, a son of Asher). His placement is purely within a genealogical enumeration, providing no further narrative or biographical details about the individual. This single occurrence highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which often preserve names of individuals who otherwise remain obscure in the historical record, yet whose existence was deemed important enough to be included in the tribal lineages. The context is one of establishing lineage and tribal identity, particularly for military service, as indicated by the concluding verse of the chapter.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H3160}}` is its root, חָבָה (châbâh, `{{H2244}}`), meaning "to hide oneself" or "to take refuge." This root appears in various forms and contexts, often conveying a sense of seeking shelter or being concealed from danger or observation. For example, in [[Genesis 3:8]], Adam and Eve "hid themselves" (`{{H2244}}`) from the presence of the Lord God. In [[Psalm 32:7]], the psalmist declares, "You are my hiding place" (`{{H4224}}`, a derivative of the same root).
Conceptually, `{{H3160}}` relates to:
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** The idea that God can "hide" or protect His people from harm, as seen in phrases like "hiding place" or "secret place."
* **Obscurity and Humility:** The life of an individual who might be "hidden" from public prominence, yet whose existence is known and valued by God.
* **Mystery and Secrecy:** Aspects of God's character or plans that remain concealed from human understanding until revealed.
Other Hebrew words related to concepts of hiding or shelter include סֵתֶר (sether, `{{H5643}}`), meaning "covering" or "secret place," and מַחְסֶה (machseh, `{{H4268}}`), meaning "refuge" or "shelter." While not etymologically linked, they share a thematic resonance with the core meaning of `{{H3160}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3160}}` (Yᵉchubbâh) primarily stems from the meaning of the name itself: "hidden." While the individual Jechubbah remains an obscure figure in Scripture, his name invites reflection on several profound theological themes:
1. **Divine Knowledge and Remembrance:** Even those whose lives appear "hidden" from the grand narratives of biblical history are known and remembered by God. Their inclusion in the genealogies underscores God's meticulous attention to every individual within His covenant people.
2. **God as a Hiding Place:** The name echoes the biblical motif of God as the ultimate refuge and "hiding place" for His people. `{{H3160}}` can serve as a quiet reminder that true security and safety are found in being "hidden" in God's protective care ([[Psalm 91:1-2]]).
3. **The Hiddenness of God's Work:** God often works in ways that are not immediately apparent or publicly celebrated. Many faithful lives are lived "hidden" from the world's view, yet they are instrumental in God's unfolding plan. This resonates with the New Testament concept of believers' lives being "hidden with Christ in God" ([[Colossians 3:3]]).
4. **Humility and Obscurity:** The name can represent the virtue of a humble life, lived outside the spotlight, yet significant in the divine economy. It reminds us that not all who serve God are called to public prominence; many are "hidden" workers whose faithfulness is known only to God.
### Summary
`{{H3160}}` (Yᵉchubbâh) is a unique Hebrew personal name, meaning "hidden," derived from the root חָבָה (châbâh), "to hide." Its sole occurrence in the Bible is within the genealogical records of [[1 Chronicles 7:35]], where it lists an individual in the tribe of Asher. Despite the lack of narrative context for the person, the name's meaning carries significant theological weight. It points to themes of divine protection, God as a secure refuge, the value of lives lived in obscurity yet known to God, and the mysterious ways in which God works. `{{H3160}}` serves as a subtle yet profound reminder that every life, even those seemingly "hidden" from the grand historical stage, is part of God's intricate design and known intimately by Him.
TRV