### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'Ăbîyrâm**, represented by `{{H48}}`, is defined as "father of height (i.e. lofty)". It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The name designates two different Israelites within scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H48}}` is encountered in two distinct contexts. One instance refers to Abiram, the firstborn son of Hiel the Bethelite, who laid the foundation of Jericho [[1 Kings 16:34]]. His death is explicitly linked to the word of the LORD spoken through Joshua. The other, more prominent, Abiram is identified as one of the sons of Eliab, from the tribe of Reuben [[Numbers 16:1]]. This Abiram, alongside Dathan `{{H1885}}` and Korah `{{H7141}}`, played a central role in a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Their defiance included refusing to "come up" `{{H5927}}` when summoned by Moses [[Numbers 16:12]]. This group "strove" `{{H5327}}` against Moses, Aaron, and the LORD himself [[Numbers 26:9]]. As a result of their rebellion, the earth `{{H776}}` "opened" `{{H6475}}` its mouth and "swallowed" `{{H1104}}` them up, along with their households and possessions [[Deuteronomy 11:6]]. [[Psalms 106:17]] further describes how the earth "opened" `{{H6605}}` and "covered" `{{H3680}}` the company `{{H5712}}` of Abiram.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into the events surrounding `{{H48}}`:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term is consistently used to identify Abiram's lineage, such as in "Abiram, the sons of Eliab" [[Numbers 16:1]], highlighting his familial identity within the narrative.
* `{{H1885}}` **Dâthân** (Dathan): Dathan is almost exclusively mentioned alongside Abiram, signifying their close association and shared culpability in the rebellion against Moses and the LORD [[Numbers 16:12]].
* `{{H7141}}` **Qôrach** (Korah): Korah is central to the group that "strove" `{{H5327}}` against authority, and he is directly named with Abiram and Dathan as leaders of the "company" `{{H5712}}` that faced divine judgment [[Numbers 26:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H48}}` lies primarily in its connection to themes of rebellion and divine judgment.
* **Challenge to Authority:** The actions of Abiram, particularly in Numbers, serve as a stark illustration of direct defiance against God-ordained leadership, explicitly described as striving "against the LORD" [[Numbers 26:9]].
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The dramatic judgment where "the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up" [[Deuteronomy 11:6]] stands as a powerful testament to the severe consequences of rebellion against divine will.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The account involving Hiel's firstborn [[1 Kings 16:34]] demonstrates that even the violation of ancient prophetic pronouncements or curses carries a profound and tragic cost.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H48}}` 'Ăbîyrâm, despite its meaning "father of height," paradoxically denotes individuals whose narratives are marked by profound downfall. Through the account of Hiel's son and, more significantly, the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram, the word encapsulates critical biblical themes of challenging authority, the devastating consequences of disobedience, and the ultimate certainty of divine judgment against those who strive against the LORD.
TRV