from עָבַד; servitude; Abdon, the name of a place in Palestine and of four Israelites; Abdon. Compare עֶבְרֹן.
Transliteration:ʻAbdôwn
Pronunciation:ab-dohn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5658}}` (ʻAbdôwn), transliterated as 'Abdon', is a proper noun derived from the verbal root `{{H5647}}` (ʻābad). This root fundamentally conveys the semantic range of "to work," "to serve," "to be a servant," "to labor," or "to worship." Consequently, the base definition of ʻAbdôwn is "servitude" or "service," reflecting the inherent meaning of its root. While the etymological meaning points to the concept of service, ʻAbdôwn is exclusively used in the biblical text as a proper name for both a geographical location and several individuals. The name thus carries an inherent theological resonance, linking its bearers and location to the concept of devoted service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5658}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in several contexts:
* **As a Place Name:**
* [[Joshua 21:30]]: Abdon is listed as one of the four cities from the tribe of Asher given to the Gershonite Levites.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:74]]: This passage reiterates Abdon's status as a Levitical city within the territory of Asher, specifically for the Gershonite clan.
* *Contextual Analysis:* The designation of Abdon as a Levitical city is significant. The Levites were set apart for sacred service (ʻăbōdâ, `{{H5656}}`) in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, performing duties related to worship, instruction, and the care of sacred objects. The name "servitude" or "service" is therefore highly appropriate for a city inhabited by those devoted to divine service.
* **As Personal Names:**
* [[Judges 12:13]], [[Judges 12:15]]: Abdon, the son of Hillel the Pirathonite, is recorded as one of the minor judges of Israel. He judged Israel for eight years and was buried in Pirathon.
* *Contextual Analysis:* As a judge, Abdon's role involved leading and administering justice to the people of Israel, which can be understood as a form of service to the nation and, implicitly, to God. His name aligns well with his function as a servant-leader.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:23]]: Abdon is listed as a son of Shashak, a Benjamite.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:30]], [[1 Chronicles 9:36]]: Abdon is identified as the firstborn son of Jeiel (the "father" of Gibeon) and Maacah, a prominent figure in the genealogy of Saul.
* *Contextual Analysis:* These occurrences are within genealogical records, highlighting the lineage and family structures of the tribes of Benjamin. While no specific actions are attributed to these individuals, their very existence within these sacred records suggests a form of participation in the unfolding history of God's people.
* [[2 Chronicles 34:20]]: Abdon, the son of Micah, is one of the men sent by King Josiah to Huldah the prophetess to inquire of the Lord concerning the newly discovered Book of the Law. This figure is identified as Achbor the son of Micaiah in the parallel account of [[2 Kings 22:12]], indicating a textual variant.
* *Contextual Analysis:* Regardless of the variant, the individual's role is one of service to the king and the nation in seeking divine counsel, a profound act of spiritual inquiry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H5658}}` is its root:
* **`{{H5647}}` (ʻābad):** This foundational verb means "to work," "to serve," "to enslave," or "to worship." It is a highly significant term in biblical theology, encompassing human labor, servitude to others, and, most importantly, devoted service to God.
* **Derivatives of `{{H5647}}`:**
* `{{H5650}}` (ʻebed): "servant," "slave." This noun directly describes one who performs ʻābad.
* `{{H5656}}` (ʻăbōdâ): "work," "service," "labor," "worship." This noun refers to the act or state of service itself.
* **Concept of Service:** The name ʻAbdôwn inherently evokes the biblical concept of service, which is multifaceted. It includes the service of the Levites in the sanctuary, the service of judges and leaders to their people, and the broader call for all Israel to be servants of Yahweh. This concept is often linked to humility, obedience, and dedication to a higher purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5658}}` (ʻAbdôwn) is deeply embedded in its etymological root, `{{H5647}}`, which underscores the biblical importance of "service."
* **Divine Calling to Service:** The name ʻAbdôwn, meaning "servitude" or "service," reflects a core biblical principle that life, especially for God's people, is a call to service. The Levites, whose city was Abdon, exemplify this through their dedicated tasks in the worship of God.
* **Leadership as Service:** The judge Abdon embodies the ideal of leadership as a form of service to the community. Biblical leadership is often depicted not as domination, but as a humble stewardship and care for God's people, mirroring the ultimate servant-leader, God Himself.
* **Humility and Obedience:** To be in "servitude" implies a posture of humility and obedience to a master. In the context of Yahwism, this translates to obedient submission to God's will and faithful execution of His commands, which is ultimately liberating and leads to blessing.
* **Identity in Service:** For the Israelites, being a "servant of the Lord" was a title of honor and a defining aspect of their covenant identity. The very name ʻAbdôwn could serve as a constant reminder of this fundamental relationship with God.
### Summary
`{{H5658}}` (ʻAbdôwn) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root `{{H5647}}` (ʻābad), conveying the meaning of "servitude" or "service." It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of a Levitical city in Asher ([[Joshua 21:30]], [[1 Chronicles 6:74]]), highlighting its connection to sacred duties. Additionally, ʻAbdôwn is the name of several individuals, most notably a judge of Israel ([[Judges 12:13]], [[Judges 12:15]]), whose leadership role underscored the theme of service to the nation. Other occurrences are found in genealogical records ([[1 Chronicles 8:23]], [[1 Chronicles 8:30]], [[1 Chronicles 9:36]]) and in a textual variant for an envoy to Huldah the prophetess ([[2 Chronicles 34:20]]). The consistent thread across these occurrences is the concept of service—whether it be service to God (as with the Levites), service to community (as with the judge), or participation in the unfolding history of God's people. The theological significance of ʻAbdôwn thus lies in its profound connection to the biblical emphasis on humble, obedient, and devoted service as a core aspect of human identity and relationship with the Divine.
TRV