from לְבַב; (the) white mountain (from its snow); Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine; Lebanon.
Transliteration:Lᵉbânôwn
Pronunciation:leb-aw-nohn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לְבָנוֹן (Lᵉbânôwn), transliterated as Lebanon, derives its name from the root לְבַב (lâbâb), which, in the context of this geographical feature, points to the meaning "the white mountain." This designation directly refers to the perpetually snow-capped peaks of the Lebanon mountain range, whose gleaming white appearance would have been a prominent feature of the ancient Near Eastern landscape. Thus, the core meaning is intrinsically linked to its physical characteristic of whiteness, specifically from snow. The semantic range extends beyond a mere geographical marker to encompass the entire region, its famed natural resources (especially the majestic cedars), and metaphorically, its grandeur, beauty, and sometimes, its vulnerability to divine judgment or its role in prophetic restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Lᵉbânôwn appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, serving various contextual roles:
* **Geographical Marker and Boundary:** Lebanon is consistently depicted as the northern boundary of the Promised Land, as promised by God to Israel. [[Deuteronomy 1:7]] mentions "all the region of Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates." Similarly, [[Joshua 1:4]] describes the extent of the land from the wilderness and Lebanon. [[Judges 3:3]] lists the Hivites who dwelt in Mount Lebanon. This highlights its significance in defining the extent of God's covenantal gift.
* **Source of Precious Timber:** The most renowned association of Lebanon is with its magnificent cedars. King Solomon famously imported cedars and cypress wood from Lebanon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem ([[1 Kings 5:6]], [[2 Chronicles 2:8]]). This underscores Lebanon's role as a vital economic and architectural resource, symbolizing strength, durability, and a certain sacred grandeur when used in divine service ([[Ezra 3:7]]).
* **Symbol of Majesty and Strength:** The "cedars of Lebanon" became a proverbial expression for strength, height, and majesty. [[Psalm 29:5-6]] speaks of the voice of the Lord breaking the cedars of Lebanon, illustrating divine power over even the most imposing natural features. [[Song of Solomon 4:8]] uses Lebanon's heights as a poetic descriptor of beauty.
* **Prophetic Imagery of Judgment and Restoration:** Prophets frequently employ Lebanon as a powerful metaphor. [[Isaiah 10:34]] depicts God's judgment felling the thickets of the forest of Lebanon, symbolizing the humbling of human pride and strength. Conversely, [[Isaiah 35:2]] speaks of the glory of Lebanon being given to the wilderness, signifying a future time of spiritual flourishing and restoration. [[Hosea 14:5-7]] uses the imagery of Israel putting down roots like Lebanon, blossoming like a lily, and spreading its branches, representing a return to fruitfulness and divine favor.
* **Symbol of Fragility and Desolation:** In some prophetic contexts, the desolation of Lebanon signifies divine judgment, where its beauty and abundance are laid waste ([[Isaiah 10:34]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for לְבָנוֹן (Lᵉbânôwn) is to the idea of "whiteness":
* `{{H3835}}` (lâbân): "white," "to be white." While Strong's traces Lᵉbânôwn to `{{H3824}}` (lâbâb, "heart"), the explicit definition "white mountain (from its snow)" firmly establishes the semantic connection to the concept of whiteness, likely through a phonetic or an older root association with `{{H3835}}`.
* `{{H730}}` (erez): "cedar." The cedars of Lebanon are inextricably linked to the region, representing its most famous natural resource and a symbol of strength and majesty.
* `{{H2022}}` (har): "mountain," "hill." This general term for mountains is conceptually related, as Lebanon is preeminently a mountain range.
* **Geographical Terms:** The broader geographical context includes Israel, Syria, and Phoenicia, as Lebanon bordered these ancient territories.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Lebanon is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The majestic cedars and formidable mountains of Lebanon serve as powerful reminders of God's supreme power. He can humble the proudest human endeavors symbolized by Lebanon's strength ([[Isaiah 10:34]]) and can also cause its desolate places to flourish, demonstrating His ability to bring life and beauty out of barrenness ([[Isaiah 35:2]]).
* **Covenant Promises and Boundaries:** As a divinely designated boundary of the Promised Land, Lebanon underscores the vastness and certainty of God's covenant promises to Israel. Its inclusion in the inheritance signifies the expansive nature of God's blessing.
* **Spiritual Fruitfulness and Restoration:** In prophetic literature, the transformation of Lebanon from a place of judgment to one of lush fertility ([[Hosea 14:5-7]]) becomes a powerful metaphor for the spiritual restoration of God's people. It symbolizes a future era of peace, prosperity, and renewed relationship with God, where the "glory of Lebanon" is bestowed upon the redeemed.
* **Human Pride vs. Divine Majesty:** The grandeur of Lebanon can also serve as a symbol of human pride and worldly power, which God ultimately brings low. This contrast highlights the fleeting nature of human glory compared to the eternal majesty of God.
* **Beauty and Wisdom in Creation:** The use of Lebanon's cedars in the construction of the Temple points to the beauty and excellence that should characterize worship and structures dedicated to God. It underscores God's provision of the finest materials for His dwelling place, reflecting His own glory and wisdom in creation.
### Summary
Lᵉbânôwn (`{{H3844}}`), "the white mountain," is a significant geographical and symbolic entity in the biblical narrative. Its name is rooted in the striking whiteness of its snow-capped peaks. Beyond its literal identity as a source of invaluable cedars and a northern boundary of the Promised Land, Lebanon carries rich theological weight. It serves as a potent symbol of divine power and sovereignty, capable of both humbling the proud and bringing forth miraculous restoration and spiritual fruitfulness. Its enduring presence in the biblical text underscores themes of covenant promise, the contrast between human pride and divine majesty, and the ultimate hope of God's transformative work in creation and among His people.
TRV