or לֻבִּי; (Daniel 11:43), partrial from a name probably derived from an unused root meaning to thirst, i.e. a dry region; apparently; a Libyan or inhabitant of interior Africa (only in plural); Lubim(-s), Libyans.
Transliteration:Lûwbîy
Pronunciation:loo-bee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3864 (Lûwbîy), also appearing as לֻבִּי (Lubbîy), primarily designates an "inhabitant of Libya" or, more broadly, "interior Africa." This gentile noun consistently appears in the plural form (Lubim or Libyans) throughout the biblical text, referring to the people group rather than the land itself. The etymological root, though unused in its verbal form, is thought to convey the concept of "thirst" or a "dry region," which aptly describes the arid geographical characteristics of ancient Libya. Thus, the name itself may have been an indigenous or foreign descriptor reflecting the challenging environment from which these people originated. The semantic range of H3864 is narrow, exclusively identifying a specific North African ethnic group known for their military presence in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3864 appears in four distinct passages within the Old Testament, each offering insight into the historical and prophetic role of the Libyans:
* **[[2 Chronicles 12:3]]**: Here, the Lubim are listed as a significant contingent within the vast army of Shishak, king of Egypt, who invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam. They are mentioned alongside the Sukkites and Ethiopians (Cushites), underscoring their alliance with Egypt and their formidable military strength as part of a coalition against God's people. This account highlights the historical reality of foreign incursions into Judah.
* **[[2 Chronicles 16:8]]**: In this passage, the Lubim are again identified as part of a large invading force, this time under Zerah the Cushite, who marched against King Asa of Judah. Alongside the Cushites, they brought a massive army, emphasizing the overwhelming odds faced by Judah. Asa's miraculous victory over this combined force serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness in defending His people, even against seemingly insurmountable military might.
* **[[Nahum 3:9]]**: Within the prophetic oracle against the great city of Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt, the Libyans are depicted as one of its primary allies and sources of strength, alongside Cush and Put. Their inclusion here demonstrates their geopolitical importance as a supporting power for Egypt. The prophecy of Thebes' utter destruction, despite its mighty allies, underscores the sovereignty of Yahweh over all nations and empires, including those considered militarily invincible.
* **[[Daniel 11:43]]**: This verse, part of a detailed prophecy concerning the "king of the North" (often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes or a future eschatological figure), states that this king will gain control over the treasures of Egypt, and "the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels." This suggests their subjugation or allegiance to a dominant imperial power, indicating their strategic significance even when under foreign dominion. It positions them within a broader prophetic narrative of global power shifts and divine judgment.
Across these occurrences, the Libyans are consistently presented as a people group external to Israel, often associated with Egypt, and frequently involved in military or geopolitical conflicts, either as invaders or as subject peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3864 naturally brings into view several related terms and concepts, primarily geographical and ethnic in nature:
* **`{{H4714}}` (Miṣrayim)**: Egypt, the dominant regional power with whom the Libyans were frequently allied or associated. Their geographical proximity and historical interactions are evident in the biblical narratives.
* **`{{H3568}}` (Kûsh)**: Cush or Ethiopia, another significant African nation often mentioned alongside the Libyans, especially in military contexts (e.g., [[2 Chronicles 12:3]], [[2 Chronicles 16:8]], [[Nahum 3:9]], [[Daniel 11:43]]). This highlights a broader African geopolitical sphere.
* **`{{H5523}}` (Sukkîy)**: Sukkites, another group mentioned with the Libyans and Cushites in Shishak's army ([[2 Chronicles 12:3]]), possibly referring to a nomadic or tent-dwelling people from the region.
* **Military Alliances and Conquests**: The repeated appearance of the Lubim in accounts of invading armies or as subjects of powerful empires connects them to the broader biblical theme of international relations, warfare, and the rise and fall of nations.
* **Prophecy of Nations**: Their inclusion in prophetic books like Nahum and Daniel places them within the scope of God's overarching plan for all peoples, demonstrating His ultimate control over the destiny of every nation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3864 is primarily indirect, contributing to the broader biblical narrative rather than forming a distinct theological doctrine.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**: The consistent mention of the Libyans, whether as a formidable military force or as a people subjected to foreign powers, underscores the biblical teaching that all nations, regardless of their might or geographical location, are ultimately under the sovereign control of Yahweh. Their rise and fall, their alliances and subjugations, occur within the framework of God's divine plan, as seen in the prophecies of Nahum and Daniel.
2. **Historical Realism of Scripture**: The inclusion of a specific people group like the Libyans, accurately reflecting the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, lends historical credibility to the biblical accounts. It demonstrates that the biblical narratives are rooted in real-world events and interactions, not abstract fables.
3. **God's Deliverance of His People**: In the historical books, the presence of the Lubim as part of invading armies against Judah serves to highlight the threats faced by God's covenant people. Conversely, God's deliverance from such powerful adversaries (e.g., Asa's victory in [[2 Chronicles 16]]) magnifies His faithfulness and power to protect those who trust in Him.
4. **Universal Scope of Prophecy**: The Libyans' mention in prophetic contexts ([[Nahum 3]], [[Daniel 11]]) illustrates that God's prophetic word extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations. It shows that God is concerned with and judges the actions of all peoples, not just His chosen nation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3864 (Lûwbîy) identifies the "Libyans," a North African people group whose name may etymologically suggest their origin from a "dry region." Appearing exclusively in the plural, this term serves as a geographical and ethnic marker within the Old Testament. Biblical occurrences consistently portray the Libyans in a military or geopolitical context, often allied with Egypt or as part of invading forces against Judah (e.g., [[2 Chronicles 12:3]], [[2 Chronicles 16:8]]). In prophetic literature, such as [[Nahum 3:9]] and [[Daniel 11:43]], they are depicted as allies of powerful empires or as peoples subject to future dominant rulers, underscoring their role in the broader sweep of international relations and divine judgment. Theologically, H3864 contributes to the biblical affirmation of God's sovereignty over all nations, the historical veracity of Scripture, and the universal scope of divine prophecy and intervention in human affairs.
TRV