from עָלַם; a covering; Alemeth, the name of a place in Palestine and of two Israelites; Alameth, Alemeth.
Transliteration:ʻÂlemeth
Pronunciation:aw-leh'-meth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5964}}` (עָלֶמֶת, ʻÂlemeth) is a masculine noun derived from the verb `{{H5956}}` (עָלַם, 'alam), which signifies "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." Consequently, `{{H5964}}` fundamentally carries the meaning of "a covering" or "concealment." However, its usage in the biblical text is exclusively as a proper noun, designating both a geographical location and personal names. Its semantic range, therefore, is primarily tied to these specific referents, though the etymological root subtly imbues these names with connotations of something hidden, veiled, or protected.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5964}}` appears four times in the Old Testament, always within the genealogies and city lists of the book of 1 Chronicles:
1. **A City Name:**
* [[1 Chronicles 6:60]] (Hebrew 1 Chronicles 6:45): Here, Alemeth is listed as one of the cities given to the sons of Aaron from the tribe of Benjamin. Specifically, it is identified as a Levitical city and a city of refuge. This city is also known as Almon ([[Joshua 21:18]]), suggesting an interchangeability or alternative spelling. The designation as a city of refuge is significant, as it implies a place of "covering" or "protection" for those who fled there, aligning with the root meaning of `{{H5956}}`.
2. **Personal Names:**
* [[1 Chronicles 7:8]]: Alemeth appears as a son of Becher, a descendant of Benjamin. This occurrence places him within a tribal genealogy, highlighting the lineage and family structure of Israel.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:36]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:42]]: In these passages, Alemeth is identified as a son of Jehoaddah (also called Jarha in [[1 Chronicles 9:42]]), and a descendant of Saul through his son Micah. These verses are part of the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically tracing the lineage of King Saul. His inclusion underscores the continuity of the royal line, even through various branches.
In all instances, `{{H5964}}` functions as a fixed identifier, pointing to specific entities within the historical and genealogical records of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root `{{H5956}}` (עָלַם, 'alam, "to hide, conceal") is foundational to understanding `{{H5964}}`. This root gives rise to several significant related words in Hebrew:
* `{{H5959}}` (עַלְמָה, 'almah): "Young woman," often translated as "virgin." This term is also derived from `{{H5956}}`, perhaps suggesting a "hidden" or "veiled" status, or one whose marital status is yet "unrevealed."
* `{{H5958}}` (עֵלֶם, 'elem): "Youth," "young man," also sharing the same root.
* `{{H5957}}` (עוֹלָם, 'olam): "Eternity," "ancient time," "forever." This is a profound connection. `{{H5957}}` is also derived from `{{H5956}}`, conveying the idea of a time or duration that is "hidden" or "concealed" from human perception, extending beyond our immediate grasp into the distant past or future.
* The concept of "hiding" itself, as seen in various biblical contexts: God hiding His face ([[Psalm 13:1]]), wisdom being hidden ([[Job 28:21]]), or sin being hidden ([[Proverbs 28:13]]).
These related terms underscore a broader semantic field of concealment, duration, and the unknown, which subtly resonates with the name `{{H5964}}` even in its proper noun usage.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H5964}}` itself, as a proper noun, does not carry direct theological doctrine, its etymological root and contextual occurrences offer indirect theological insights:
1. **Divine Providence and Hiddenness**: The root `{{H5956}}` often relates to things hidden or concealed. In a theological sense, this can evoke the mystery of God's sovereign plan, which often unfolds in ways "hidden" from human understanding until His appointed time. The name Alemeth, "a covering," might subtly hint at aspects of God's work that are veiled, yet purposeful.
2. **Protection and Refuge**: The identification of Alemeth as a Levitical city and a city of refuge ([[1 Chronicles 6:60]]) is highly significant. Cities of refuge were divinely ordained places of "covering" or "protection" for those who had committed unintentional manslaughter. This practical function of the city directly aligns with the root meaning of "covering" and highlights God's provision for justice and mercy, offering a "hidden" sanctuary from immediate retribution. The Levites, residing in these cities, were custodians of God's law, providing spiritual "covering" through instruction.
3. **Continuity of God's Covenant**: The appearance of Alemeth as a personal name within the genealogies of Benjamin and Saul's lineage ([[1 Chronicles 7:8]], [[1 Chronicles 8:36]], [[1 Chronicles 9:42]]) underscores the meticulous record-keeping of God's people. Genealogies serve to "unveil" or "reveal" the unfolding of God's covenant promises through generations, even those seemingly obscure or "hidden" within the vast family trees. The very act of recording these names, including one meaning "covering," speaks to God's careful preservation of His chosen line.
4. **Connection to Eternity (`{{H5957}}`)**: The shared root with `{{H5957}}` ('olam, eternity) subtly links `{{H5964}}` to the concept of God's eternal purposes. What is "hidden" in time is eternally known to God. The name Alemeth, therefore, might be seen as a minor echo of the vast, hidden, yet eternally present reality of God's plan.
### Summary
`{{H5964}}` (עָלֶמֶת, ʻÂlemeth) denotes "a covering" or "concealment," deriving from the verb `{{H5956}}` ("to hide"). Primarily, it serves as a proper noun in the biblical text, identifying a Levitical city of refuge in Benjamin and two individuals within the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. While a proper noun, its etymological root subtly imbues it with connotations of hiddenness, protection, and divine purpose. The city's role as a place of refuge directly manifests the idea of "covering" or "sanctuary." Furthermore, its connection to the broader semantic field of `{{H5956}}`, including `{{H5957}}` (eternity), suggests a subtle theological resonance with God's hidden plans, His provision of protection, and the unfolding of His covenant through the generations, even through what might appear "covered" or obscure in human history.
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