or לוֹ דבַר; (Samuel 9:4,5), or לִדְבִר; (Joshua 13:26), (probably rather לֹדְבַר ); from לֹא and דֹּבֶר; pastureless; Lo-Debar, a place in Palestine; Debir, Lodebar.
Transliteration:Lôʼ Dᵉbar
Pronunciation:lo deb-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma לֹא דְבַר (H3810, transliterated as Lôʼ Dᵉbar) is a composite word, primarily functioning as a place name. Its meaning is derived from its constituent parts: לֹא (`{{H3808}}`), a particle of negation meaning "no" or "not," and דֹּבֶר (`{{H1699}}`), which primarily signifies "pasture" or "grazing ground" in this context, though it can also mean "word" or "speech." Thus, the name Lôʼ Dᵉbar literally translates to "no pasture" or "pastureless." This etymology paints a vivid picture of a place characterized by barrenness, desolation, or a lack of sustenance. It suggests an inhospitable environment, perhaps remote and unfertile, fitting for a place of obscurity. The Strong's definition notes variations in spelling, including לוֹ דבַר and לִדְבִר (as seen in [[Joshua 13:26]]), but the core meaning of "pastureless" remains consistent for the geographical location it denotes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary occurrences of Lôʼ Dᵉbar are found in the Books of Samuel and Joshua.
In [[2 Samuel 9:4-5]], Lo-Debar is identified as the place where Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, resided. David, having remembered his covenant with Jonathan, inquires about any surviving members of Saul's house. Ziba, Saul's servant, informs David that Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet, lived in Lo-Debar, in the house of Machir son of Ammiel. This depiction of Lo-Debar as a remote and seemingly forgotten place aligns perfectly with its "pastureless" meaning. It was a place of obscurity and perhaps hardship, where a disabled descendant of a fallen king might seek refuge from potential retribution. David's act of bringing Mephibosheth from Lo-Debar to Jerusalem, to eat at the king's table, highlights a profound transition from desolation and forgottenness to honor and sustenance.
[[Joshua 13:26]] mentions "Debir" (לִדְבִר) as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad, specifically marking a border point in the Jordan Valley. The Strong's entry for H3810 explicitly links this "Debir" to Lo-Debar, suggesting it is either the same location or an orthographic variant referring to it. If it is the same place, its inclusion in the tribal allotments further establishes its geographical reality within ancient Israel, even if its name implies a lack of agricultural value. This reinforces the idea of Lo-Debar as a real, albeit desolate, locale within the biblical landscape.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Lôʼ Dᵉbar offer significant connections to broader biblical concepts.
* לֹא (`{{H3808}}`): This ubiquitous particle of negation underscores the absence or lack that defines Lo-Debar. It signifies "not," "no," or "without," emphasizing the barren nature implied by the place name.
* דֹּבֶר (`{{H1699}}`): While primarily meaning "pasture" in this context, the dual meaning of דֹּבֶר as "word" or "speech" is noteworthy. Although less likely for a geographical name, it could conceptually, though secondarily, evoke a place of "no word" – a place of silence, forgottenness, or where divine communication is absent. However, the primary sense for the place name remains "pasture."
Concepts related to Lo-Debar include:
* **Desolation and Barrenness:** Directly implied by its name, contrasting with fertile lands and places of abundance.
* **Obscurity and Forgottenness:** As seen in Mephibosheth's dwelling there, it represents a place outside the center of power and attention.
* **Lowliness and Humiliation:** Mephibosheth's physical lameness and his residence in Lo-Debar symbolize a state of weakness and vulnerability.
* **Exile and Isolation:** Though not a place of formal exile, it functions as a place of retreat and separation from the public sphere.
These concepts stand in stark contrast to themes of blessing, fertility, divine remembrance, and restoration, which are powerfully demonstrated in the narrative of Mephibosheth's removal from Lo-Debar.
### Theological Significance
The story of Mephibosheth, found in Lo-Debar, is rich with theological implications, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive grace and covenant faithfulness.
1. **Divine Remembrance and Grace:** Just as David remembers his covenant with Jonathan and seeks out his descendant, so too does God remember humanity in its fallen state. Lo-Debar represents the "pastureless" condition of humanity apart from divine grace—a state of spiritual barrenness, lacking true sustenance and hope. David's initiative to search for Mephibosheth, despite his lowliness and location, mirrors God's active pursuit of His people.
2. **Transformation from Desolation to Blessing:** Mephibosheth's journey from Lo-Debar to the king's table in Jerusalem is a profound picture of salvation. He is brought from a place of obscurity, physical weakness, and potential peril to a position of honor, provision, and intimate fellowship with the king. This transition symbolizes the believer's journey from spiritual barrenness and separation to reconciliation, adoption into God's family, and participation in His abundant provision. It underscores God's power to elevate the humble and restore the broken.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness:** David's actions are rooted in his oath to Jonathan ([[1 Samuel 20:14-17]]). This highlights the steadfastness of covenant, both human and divine. God's promises are not forgotten, even when circumstances seem bleak or individuals are hidden away in a "Lo-Debar" place.
4. **Inclusion and Restoration:** Mephibosheth's lameness, a physical disability that might have rendered him an outcast, does not prevent his inclusion at the king's table. This speaks to God's inclusive love and His ability to restore dignity and purpose to those who are marginalized or broken. The "pastureless" place becomes the starting point for a journey into the King's abundant "pasture."
### Summary
Lôʼ Dᵉbar (`{{H3810}}`) is a Hebrew place name meaning "no pasture" or "pastureless," denoting a desolate and barren location. Its most significant biblical appearance is in [[2 Samuel 9]], where it serves as the dwelling place of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son. The name itself powerfully conveys the obscurity, hardship, and lack of sustenance associated with this place. Theologically, Lo-Debar functions as a potent symbol of human desolation and forgottenness, from which divine grace and covenant faithfulness bring about profound transformation. Mephibosheth's journey from this "pastureless" refuge to the king's table in Jerusalem beautifully illustrates God's redemptive power to remember the forgotten, restore the broken, and bring individuals from spiritual barrenness into a place of honor, provision, and intimate fellowship.
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