patrial from בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה; an Arbathite or inhabitant of (Beth-) Arabah; Arbahite.
Transliteration:ʻArbâthîy
Pronunciation:ar-baw-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6164}}` (ʻArbâthîy), transliterated as Arbathite, is a gentilic noun. Its base definition indicates a "patrial" derivation, meaning it identifies an individual by their place of origin. Specifically, it denotes an inhabitant of בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה (Beth-ha-Araba), or simply Arabah in some contexts. The core meaning is thus purely geographical: "one from Beth-Arabah." The semantic range is quite narrow, primarily serving as an identifier of a person's hometown or region, distinguishing them from individuals from other locales. It carries no inherent moral, spiritual, or abstract meaning beyond this geographical association.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6164}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the context of lists of David's mighty men:
* [[2 Samuel 23:31]]: "Abi-albon the Arbathite" (אֲבִיעַלְבּוֹן הָעַרְבָתִי). Here, Abi-albon is listed among the "Thirty" (the elite warriors of David's army).
* [[1 Chronicles 11:32]]: "Abi-albon the Arbathite" (אֲבִיעֶלְבּוֹן הָעַרְבָתִי). This parallel passage in Chronicles confirms the identity of the individual and his origin.
In both instances, `{{H6164}}` functions as an epithet, specifying Abi-albon's place of origin. This practice was common in ancient Israel to distinguish individuals with similar names or to highlight their tribal or regional affiliation. Beth-Arabah, the place from which `{{H6164}}` derives, is mentioned in the book of Joshua as a city in the territory of Benjamin, situated in the wilderness near the Dead Sea ([[Joshua 15:6]], [[Joshua 15:61]], [[Joshua 18:22]]). It was evidently a settlement in the `{{H6160}}` (ʻArâḇâ), the great plain or rift valley extending from the Sea of Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba. The mention of Abi-albon as "the Arbathite" underscores the diverse geographical origins of David's most loyal and capable warriors, drawing men from various regions of Israel to serve the king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה (Beth-ha-Araba), literally "House of the Arabah," which is the specific town from which the "Arbathite" originates. This name itself is composed of בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`), meaning "house" or "place," and עֲרָבָה (ʻArâḇâ, `{{H6160}}`), referring to the "Arabah" or "wilderness plain." The broader geographical term `{{H6160}}` is significant, often describing the arid rift valley region.
Conceptually, `{{H6164}}` belongs to the category of gentilic nouns, which are common in biblical texts (e.g., יְהוּדִי - Yehudiy, `{{H3064}}`, "Jew"; יִשְׂרָאֵלִי - Yisraʼeliy, `{{H3479}}`, "Israelite"). These terms serve to identify individuals by their tribal, national, or regional affiliation. The inclusion of such specific geographical identifiers in the lists of David's mighty men highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of lineage and origin within Israelite society. It also implicitly speaks to the unification of diverse elements under David's leadership.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H6164}}` itself is a geographical descriptor with no direct theological meaning, its presence in the biblical text carries several indirect theological implications.
First, the meticulous listing of individuals by their place of origin, even from a seemingly obscure or wilderness region like Beth-Arabah, reflects God's attention to detail and His knowledge of every individual. It underscores the biblical principle that every person, regardless of their background or perceived significance, is known to God and has a place within His grand narrative.
Second, the inclusion of an "Arbathite" among David's elite warriors illustrates the principle of divine calling and enablement. God uses individuals from all walks of life and all regions to accomplish His purposes. Abi-albon, though from a wilderness town, was chosen and empowered to serve the king, symbolizing how God equips and elevates those whom He calls.
Third, the unity of David's kingdom, drawing strength from diverse geographical origins, can be seen as a microcosm of God's broader plan for His people. Just as men from the wilderness and settled lands united under David, so too does God gather His people from all nations and backgrounds into His kingdom. The Arbathite's presence signifies the breadth of God's reach and the inclusivity of His redemptive work, bringing together disparate elements into a cohesive whole for His glory.
### Summary
`{{H6164}}` (ʻArbâthîy), "Arbathite," is a gentilic noun denoting an inhabitant of Beth-Arabah, a town in the wilderness region of Benjamin. Its occurrences are limited to [[2 Samuel 23:31]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:32]], where it identifies Abi-albon as one of David's mighty men. The term's primary function is geographical identification, linking an individual to a specific place. While lacking direct theological meaning, its usage highlights God's meticulous knowledge of individuals, His capacity to use people from diverse backgrounds for His purposes, and the unified strength found in the varied origins of David's kingdom. It serves as a subtle reminder of God's comprehensive plan that encompasses all people and places.
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