or נְבָיֹת; feminine plural from נוּב; fruitfulnesses; Nebajoth, a son of Ismael, and the country settled by him; Nebaioth, Nebajoth.
Transliteration:Nᵉbâyôwth
Pronunciation:neb-aw-yoth'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Nᵉbâyôwth (`{{H5032}}`) is a feminine plural noun derived from the verbal root נוּב (nuwb) (`{{H5107}}`), which signifies "to bear fruit, to flourish, to sprout." Consequently, the foundational meaning of Nᵉbâyôwth is "fruitfulnesses" or "products," implying abundance and productivity. However, in its biblical usage, Nᵉbâyôwth functions exclusively as a proper noun, referring to:
1. **An individual:** Nebajoth, the firstborn son of Ishmael.
2. **A people group:** The descendants of Nebajoth, who formed a significant tribal entity.
3. **A geographical region:** The territory inhabited by this people, known for its pastoral and trade wealth.
The semantic range therefore extends from its etymological sense of prosperity to its concrete application as an ethnonym and toponym, denoting a lineage and a land characterized by notable prominence and resources.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nᵉbâyôwth (`{{H5032}}`) appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in genealogical and prophetic contexts:
* **Genealogical Records:**
* [[Genesis 25:13]]: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,". This verse explicitly identifies Nebajoth as Ishmael's firstborn, establishing his precedence and importance within the Ishmaelite lineage. This highlights God's promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael's progeny ([[Genesis 17:20]]).
* [[1 Chronicles 1:29]]: "These are their genealogies: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,". The repetition in the Chronicler's account affirms the consistent biblical record of Nebajoth's position and the significance of his tribal line.
* **Prophetic Context:**
* [[Isaiah 60:7]]: "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory." In this glorious prophecy concerning the future restoration and exaltation of Zion, Nebajoth is paired with Kedar (`{{H6938}}`), another prominent son of Ishmael. This pairing suggests a close relationship between these two powerful nomadic groups. The imagery of "rams of Nebaioth" specifically points to their renowned pastoral wealth. The verse anticipates a time when the resources and tribute of these historically distinct peoples will be willingly offered to God in Jerusalem, signifying the universal scope of divine worship.
The historical association of the biblical Nebajoth with the later Nabataeans, a prosperous Arab kingdom known for its control of trade routes and its capital at Petra, further enriches the understanding of the "fruitfulness" implied by the name. While not explicitly stated in the biblical text, this widely accepted historical link underscores the enduring legacy and prominence of this lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **נוּב (nuwb) `{{H5107}}`**: The verbal root from which Nᵉbâyôwth (`{{H5032}}`) is derived. This root emphasizes the concepts of bearing fruit, flourishing, and productivity, linking the name directly to abundance and vitality.
* **Ishmael (`{{H3458}}`)**: Nebajoth's father. As Ishmael was Abraham's son through Hagar, Nebajoth's lineage places him within the broader Abrahamic family, illustrating the diverse branches that sprang from the patriarch.
* **Kedar (`{{H6938}}`)**: A brother of Nebajoth and another prominent son of Ishmael. Kedar and Nebajoth are frequently mentioned together, particularly in [[Isaiah 60:7]], suggesting a close tribal or geographical proximity and shared characteristics, often associated with nomadic life and pastoral wealth (flocks and rams).
* **Flocks and Rams**: These terms, particularly "rams of Nebaioth" in [[Isaiah 60:7]], symbolize the wealth and resources of nomadic peoples. Their offering signifies a profound act of worship and submission, where material blessings are consecrated to God.
* **Nabataeans**: Though not a biblical term, the strong historical identification of the biblical Nebajoth with the Nabataeans provides crucial extra-biblical context. The Nabataeans were a highly successful and influential Arab civilization, known for their elaborate rock-cut architecture, sophisticated water management, and control of lucrative trade routes, demonstrating a form of "fruitfulness" that extended beyond mere agriculture to economic and cultural prosperity.
### Theological Significance
* **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**: While Ishmael was not the son of the covenant, God promised Abraham that Ishmael would be fruitful and multiply into a great nation with twelve princes ([[Genesis 17:20]]). Nebajoth, as the firstborn, represents the initial and prominent fulfillment of this divine word concerning Ishmael's numerous descendants, showcasing God's faithfulness even to those outside the direct line of the covenant through Isaac.
* **Universal Worship and Ingathering of Nations**: The most profound theological insight derived from Nᵉbâyôwth (`{{H5032}}`) comes from [[Isaiah 60:7]]. This passage paints a prophetic vision where the wealth and resources of distant, non-Israelite peoples, specifically the "rams of Nebaioth," will be brought as acceptable offerings to the Lord in Zion. This imagery underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, anticipating a time when all nations will acknowledge His sovereignty and willingly participate in His worship, bringing their choicest possessions to glorify His house.
* **God's Sovereignty Over All Peoples**: The inclusion of Nebajoth, a non-Israelite people, in messianic prophecy demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His power to draw all peoples to Himself. It highlights that God's kingdom is not limited to one ethnic group but encompasses the entire world.
* **Theological Continuity of History**: The meticulous genealogical records in Genesis and Chronicles, including the lineage of Nebajoth, affirm God's precise ordering of human history and His involvement in the unfolding of all peoples, not just Israel.
### Summary
Nᵉbâyôwth (`{{H5032}}`) is a significant Hebrew proper noun, etymologically rooted in the concept of "fruitfulness" or "abundance" (from נוּב (nuwb) `{{H5107}}`). Biblically, it refers primarily to Nebajoth, the firstborn son of Ishmael, as attested in [[Genesis 25:13]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:29]], thus establishing his prominence within the Ishmaelite lineage. Its most profound theological impact emerges from [[Isaiah 60:7]], where "the rams of Nebaioth" are prophesied to be brought as offerings to the Lord in Zion. This vision speaks to the future ingathering of all nations, including historically distinct peoples like the Ishmaelites (represented by Nebajoth and Kedar), who will willingly consecrate their wealth and resources to God in universal worship. Historically, the biblical Nebajoth is widely identified with the prosperous Nabataean people, further underscoring the "fruitfulness" implied by the name in terms of their historical success and influence. Thus, Nᵉbâyôwth encapsulates both a specific historical lineage and a powerful theological truth concerning God's universal reign and the ultimate submission of all peoples to His glory.
TRV