the same as עֵבֶר; Eber, the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites; Eber, Heber.
Transliteration:ʻÊbêr
Pronunciation:ay'-ber
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H5677 (עֵבֵר, ʻÊbêr) is a proper noun, primarily known as the name of a key patriarch in the biblical genealogies. Its meaning is directly derived from `{{H5676}}` (עֵבֶר), which signifies "the other side," "beyond," "passage," or "region across." This root, in turn, comes from the verbal root `{{H5674}}` (עָבַר), meaning "to pass over," "to cross." Therefore, the name Eber inherently conveys the sense of "one who passes over," "one from beyond," or "a sojourner." This semantic connection is vital for understanding its broader theological implications, especially concerning the identity of the "Hebrews."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most significant occurrence of H5677 is in reference to Eber, the son of Shelah and great-grandson of Shem, and an ancestor of Abraham. He appears prominently in the patriarchal genealogies:
* [[Genesis 10:21]]: Identifies Shem as "the father of all the children of Eber," highlighting Eber's foundational role in the lineage.
* [[Genesis 10:24]]: Lists Eber as the father of Peleg and Joktan.
* [[Genesis 11:14-17]]: Details Eber's birth, lifespan, and descendants within the primeval history.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:18]], [[1 Chronicles 1:19]], [[1 Chronicles 1:25]]: Reiterate his place in the genealogical record, emphasizing the continuity of the lineage from Noah to Abraham.
Eber's position in this lineage is crucial, as the term "Hebrew" (`{{H5680}}`) is widely understood to be etymologically linked to his name, designating the "descendants of Eber" or "those from the other side (of the Euphrates)."
Beyond this pivotal patriarchal figure, the name Eber also appears for other individuals:
* A Gadite chief: [[1 Chronicles 5:13]]
* A Benjamite: [[1 Chronicles 8:22]]
* A Levitical priest in the days of Joiakim: [[Nehemiah 12:20]]
* A Levite in the time of David: [[1 Chronicles 24:27]] (possibly the same as the Benjamite or a different individual).
While these other occurrences are namesakes, the patriarchal Eber remains the primary focus of its theological and historical significance, forming a crucial link in the covenantal line that leads to Abraham and the nation of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H5676}}` (עֵבֶר, 'eber): The noun from which H5677 is directly derived, meaning "beyond," "across," "the other side." This highlights the spatial and directional aspect inherent in the name.
* `{{H5674}}` (עָבַר, 'avar): The verbal root "to pass over," "to cross." This verb undergirds the entire semantic field of 'eber and 'Eber, emphasizing movement and transition.
* `{{H5680}}` (עִבְרִי, 'ivri): "Hebrew." This is the most significant related term. The common understanding is that "Hebrew" refers to the "descendants of Eber" or "those who crossed over" (referring to Abraham's crossing of the Euphrates, as in [[Genesis 14:13]] where Abram is called "the Hebrew"). This connection defines the ethnic and spiritual identity of God's chosen people.
* **Concepts:**
* **Crossing Over/Passage:** The repeated motif of crossing boundaries – the Euphrates for Abraham, the Red Sea for the Exodus generation, the Jordan into the Promised Land – is deeply embedded in the "Hebrew" identity derived from Eber.
* **Separation/Distinction:** The name suggests a people set apart, distinct from the surrounding nations, often implying a journey away from idolatry and towards the one true God.
* **Sojourning/Pilgrimage:** The "Hebrew" identity is often characterized by a transient or pilgrim status in the world, reflecting their ultimate destination in God's promises.
### Theological Significance
Eber's inclusion in the biblical genealogies holds profound theological significance. As an ancestor in the lineage from Noah's son Shem to Abraham, he represents a critical link in the divine preservation of a chosen line through whom the promises of redemption would be fulfilled. His name, ʻÊbêr, foreshadows the very identity of the people who would later be known as "Hebrews."
The etymological link between "Eber" and "Hebrew" suggests that the core identity of God's covenant people is intrinsically tied to the concept of "crossing over." This is not merely a geographical crossing (e.g., Abraham crossing the Euphrates from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan), but also a spiritual and existential crossing:
* Crossing from idolatry to the worship of the one true God.
* Crossing from bondage to freedom.
* Crossing from a state of alienation to a covenant relationship with the Almighty.
The "Hebrews" are thus a people called out, distinct, and set apart by God for a unique purpose. This theme resonates throughout biblical history, from Abraham's call to leave his homeland to Israel's journey through the wilderness and their call to be a holy nation. Eber, through his name and his place in the lineage, embodies this foundational aspect of the identity of God's people, pointing to His faithfulness in preserving the line through which the Messiah would ultimately come.
### Summary
H5677 (עֵבֵר, ʻÊbêr) is a proper noun, primarily known as the name of a pivotal patriarch in the biblical genealogies, an ancestor of Abraham. Derived from `{{H5676}}` (עֵבֶר), meaning "beyond" or "the other side," and the verbal root `{{H5674}}` (עָבַר), "to cross over," the name Eber signifies "one who passes over" or "one from beyond." This semantic core is crucial for understanding the identity of the "Hebrews" (`{{H5680}}`), a term widely believed to be etymologically linked to Eber, signifying "descendants of Eber" or "those who crossed over." Theologically, Eber's position in the lineage from Shem to Abraham underscores God's meticulous preservation of the messianic line. The name "Eber" encapsulates the very essence of God's chosen people: a distinct community defined by their call to "cross over" from paganism to faith, from bondage to freedom, and to live in a unique covenant relationship with the Creator. His inclusion in the sacred record highlights the divine intention for a people set apart, whose journey and identity are intrinsically tied to the act of transition and faithfulness to God's call.
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