from the same as כַּבּוֹן; knoll; Macbena, a place in Palestine settled by him; Machbenah.
Transliteration:Makbênâʼ
Pronunciation:mak-bay-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Makbênâʼ (`{{H4343}}`) is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific place. Its base definition indicates a derivation "from the same as כַּבּוֹן (Kabbôn)," which means "knoll" or "mound" (`{{H3524}}`). This etymological connection suggests that Makbênâʼ was likely a settlement situated on or named after a prominent geographical feature, specifically a small hill or elevated ground. The definition further clarifies that it was "a place in Palestine settled by him," implying an association with a particular individual or lineage, a common practice in ancient Israelite naming conventions for territories and towns. Thus, while its literal root speaks to topography, its primary function in the biblical text is as a toponym, signifying a specific location within the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Makbênâʼ (`{{H4343}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles.
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:49]]**: "And the daughter of Shuah, the sister of Caleb, bare Machbenah, and Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was Achsa."
In this sole occurrence, Makbênâʼ is listed among the descendants of Caleb, a prominent figure from the tribe of Judah known for his faithfulness during the wilderness wanderings and his role in the conquest of Canaan. While the verse lists Makbênâʼ alongside "Gibea" as offspring, it is widely understood by scholars that in biblical genealogies, names can represent not only individuals but also clans, families, or the places they settled and founded. Given the etymological link to "knoll" and the definition indicating a "place settled by him," it is most probable that Makbênâʼ here refers to a town or territory associated with the lineage of Caleb, rather than a single individual. This passage, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Judah (1 Chronicles 2-4), serves to meticulously document the tribal inheritances and the establishment of Israelite presence throughout the land of Canaan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation for Makbênâʼ (`{{H4343}}`) is its root word, כַּבּוֹן (Kabbôn, `{{H3524}}`), meaning "knoll" or "mound." This connection firmly grounds the name in the geographical landscape. Beyond its etymological root, Makbênâʼ is intrinsically linked to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy (יַחַס, yachas, `{{H3187}}`):** Its appearance in 1 Chronicles highlights the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite lineages, which served to establish identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations.
* **Land Inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah, `{{H5159}}`):** As a place name associated with Caleb's descendants, Makbênâʼ points to the fulfillment of God's promise of land to Israel and the specific allocation of territories among the tribes.
* **Toponymy:** The practice of naming places, often reflecting geographical features or the names of founders/settlers, is a significant aspect of biblical geography and history.
* **The Tribe of Judah:** The context places Makbênâʼ firmly within the sphere of Judah's expansion and settlement, underscoring the tribe's prominence in the post-conquest period.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun denoting a specific place, Makbênâʼ (`{{H4343}}`) does not carry an overt theological message in isolation. However, its inclusion in the biblical text, particularly within the genealogies of Chronicles, contributes to several significant theological themes:
* **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment:** The meticulous listing of places like Makbênâʼ within tribal inheritances serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly the promise of land (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Joshua 21:43-45]]). Each settled territory, even a seemingly minor one like Makbênâʼ, represents a tangible manifestation of God's providential care for His people.
* **Identity and Belonging:** The detailed genealogies, which include personal and place names, underscore the importance of Israel's corporate identity and the secure establishment of its people in the promised land. God's people are not a nomadic, rootless collective but a divinely organized nation settled in specific territories.
* **Historical Veracity:** The inclusion of such specific, often obscure, details like Makbênâʼ reinforces the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. It speaks to the reality of Israel's existence, its settlement, and the divine hand guiding its history, providing a concrete framework for God's redemptive plan.
* **Divine Order and Stewardship:** The allocation of specific territories to specific clans, as seen with Makbênâʼ in Caleb's lineage, reflects God's ordered arrangement for His people and their responsibility to steward the land He entrusted to them.
### Summary
Makbênâʼ (`{{H4343}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, etymologically linked to the concept of a "knoll" or "mound." It appears uniquely in [[1 Chronicles 2:49]], where it is listed within the genealogies of Caleb, a descendant of Judah. Scholars generally interpret Makbênâʼ in this context not merely as an individual but as a place or settlement associated with Caleb's lineage, reflecting the common biblical practice of naming locations after individuals or clans. Its significance lies not in an inherent theological meaning but in its contribution to the broader biblical narrative. Makbênâʼ serves as a tangible detail within the meticulous records of Israel's tribal inheritances, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of land, establishing His people, and demonstrating the historical reality of His divine plan for Israel. It quietly affirms the themes of divine providence, identity, and the ordered settlement of the promised land.
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