feminine of עֶבְרֹן; Ebronah, place in the Desert; Ebronah.
Transliteration:ʻEbrônâh
Pronunciation:eb-raw-naw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עֶבְרֹנָה ('Ebrônâh, `{{H5684}}`) is a feminine form derived from the root עבר ('abar, `{{H5674}}`), which fundamentally means "to pass over," "to cross," or "to go through." As a place name, 'Ebrônâh thus semantically signifies a "place of crossing" or "a place of passage." This inherent meaning suggests a location that serves as a transit point or a waypoint in a journey. Its application is strictly geographical, referring to a specific site in the desert during the Israelite exodus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
'Ebrônâh (`{{H5684}}`) appears exclusively twice in the Old Testament, both instances occurring within the detailed itinerary of the Israelite wilderness wanderings as recorded in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 33:34]]: "And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah."
* [[Numbers 33:35]]: "And they removed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-geber."
In this context, Ebronah functions as a temporary encampment, a specific marker in the divinely guided journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Its placement is significant; it is situated between Jotbathah, a place likely associated with water sources (cf. [[Deuteronomy 10:7]] where Jotbathah is described as a "land of brooks of water"), and Ezion-geber, a port city on the Gulf of Aqaba. This positioning reinforces the idea of Ebronah as a "place of passage," marking a transition from one geographical feature or resource-defined area to another, en route to a more significant destination. The meticulous listing of these waypoints emphasizes the precise and ordered nature of God's leading.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for 'Ebrônâh (`{{H5684}}`) is its root, עבר ('abar, `{{H5674}}`). This root is foundational to several significant biblical concepts and narratives:
* **Crossing Events:** It is used to describe pivotal moments such as the crossing of the Red Sea ([[Exodus 14:22]], [[Exodus 14:29]]) and the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land ([[Joshua 3:17]]).
* **Identity:** The term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, 'Ivri), believed by some to be etymologically linked to עבר, refers to Abraham as one who "crossed over" from beyond the Euphrates ([[Genesis 14:13]]).
* **Geographical Markers:** 'Ebrônâh relates to other named places in the wilderness itinerary (e.g., Elim, Rephidim, Kadesh), all of which serve as concrete points in the Israelites' journey, demonstrating God's guidance through specific locations.
* **Thematic Concepts:** The word's meaning aligns with broader biblical themes of pilgrimage, journey, transition, and the transient nature of the wilderness experience as a preparation for inheritance.
### Theological Significance
Although 'Ebrônâh (`{{H5684}}`) is not a site of major miracles or revelations, its inclusion in the biblical record carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance:** Every encampment, including Ebronah, testifies to God's meticulous and sovereign guidance of His people. The detailed itinerary in Numbers 33 underscores that the entire journey, with all its stops and movements, was orchestrated by the Lord ([[Numbers 9:18]], [[Numbers 9:23]]). Even seemingly insignificant waypoints were part of His perfect plan.
* **The Nature of Pilgrimage:** The wilderness journey, of which Ebronah is a part, serves as a powerful metaphor for the life of faith. It is a pilgrimage, a progressive movement towards a divine promise. Ebronah, as a "place of passage," emphasizes that the believer's life is not static but involves continuous movement and transition under God's direction, not settling for temporary stops but pressing towards the ultimate destination.
* **Dependence on God:** The desert setting of Ebronah highlights the Israelites' utter reliance on Yahweh for provision, direction, and protection. Even in seemingly barren or transitional locations, God's presence and sustenance were assured, reinforcing the lesson of complete dependence.
* **Theology of Place:** While not a sacred site in the cultic sense, Ebronah contributes to the biblical theology of "place," where specific geographical locations, even temporary ones, are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive history. They are not merely inert points on a map but active participants in the narrative of salvation.
### Summary
'Ebrônâh (`{{H5684}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific place in the desert, appearing twice in the wilderness itinerary of the Israelites ([[Numbers 33:34]], [[Numbers 33:35]]). Derived from the root עבר (`{{H5674}}`), meaning "to pass over" or "to cross," its name fittingly denotes a "place of passage" or "crossing." Contextually, Ebronah served as a temporary encampment, marking a transition point between Jotbathah and Ezion-geber. Theologically, its inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores God's meticulous guidance and sovereign control over every stage of His people's journey. It emphasizes the themes of divine leading, the progressive nature of faith as a pilgrimage, and the Israelites' constant dependence on God during their wilderness sojourn. Ebronah, though a minor waypoint, illustrates that every location and every step in God's plan contributes to His overarching redemptive purpose.
TRV