The Hebrew word Kôzᵉbâʼ, represented by H3578, identifies Cozeba, a place in Palestine, which is also rendered as Choseba. Its base definition is fallacious. This word appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it serves as a geographical marker within a genealogical record.
The sole appearance of H3578 is in a lineage recorded in 1 Chronicles. The verse states, "And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things" 1 Chronicles 4:22. In this passage, Chozeba is the stated home of the men H582 included in this list. These men are noted for having held dominion H1166 in Moab, and the entire record is described as relating to ancient H6267 things H1697.
Several related words from its only context help clarify its significance:
- H3137 Yôwqîym (Jokim): An Israelite whose name appears directly alongside the men of Chozeba in the same genealogical list 1 Chronicles 4:22.
- H3101 Yôwʼâsh (Joash): An individual named Joash is also listed with the men of Chozeba. The name means "Joash, the name of six Israelites" and is used for other figures, including a king of Israel Amos 1:1.
- H1166 bâʻal (had the dominion): This word, meaning to "be master" or "have dominion," describes the authority the men of Chozeba held in Moab 1 Chronicles 4:22. It is also used to signify being a husband, as when God states, "I was an husband unto them" Jeremiah 31:32.
- H1697 dâbâr (things): This term describes the ancient records mentioned in the verse. Its broader meaning is "a word; by implication, a matter... or thing," as seen when the "word of the LORD" came to Abram Genesis 15:1.
The significance of H3578 is primarily historical and genealogical rather than theological.
- Genealogical Preservation: The mention of Chozeba highlights the importance of place and lineage in the biblical narrative, anchoring a specific family line to a geographical location to preserve its history.
- Record of Authority: The passage explicitly connects the men of Chozeba to having "had the dominion H1166 in Moab H4124." This preserves a historical record of Israelite authority over a neighboring territory.
- Ancient History: The concluding phrase, "And these are ancient H6267 things H1697," frames the reference to Chozeba as part of a carefully kept historical account, showing the value placed on remembering past events and lineages.
In summary, Kôzᵉbâʼ H3578 is a place name, Choseba, whose sole biblical mention serves a specific historical function. It appears within a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles to identify the origin of men who once held dominion in Moab 1 Chronicles 4:22. While not a word with wide-ranging application, its singular context demonstrates the biblical emphasis on preserving genealogical records and remembering "ancient things," linking people, places, and historical authority within the larger narrative of Israel.
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