חֶבְרוֹן

From the study of Genesis 23:2

Range of meaning

A place name, probably from the root ḥ-b-r 'to join, be allied', meaning 'association' or 'confederacy'.

Against the English

Like Kiriath-arba it is transliterated, so its likely meaning does not come through. The bracketed 'that is, Hebron' in English versions accurately keeps the narrator's note to the audience.

Used elsewhere in the period

Numbers 13:22 says Hebron 'was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt'. Caleb took it (Joshua 14), and David reigned there seven and a half years (2 Samuel 5:5). Josephus describes the patriarchs' tombs there (Jewish War 4.530–533), and the Herodian enclosure over the Cave of Machpelah still stands.

From the study of Joshua 10:36

Range of meaning

Proper name of a city in the Judean hill country. It is often linked with the root ḥ-b-r, 'join, ally, associate', so possibly 'confederacy' or 'association', though such name meanings are uncertain. Its older name was Kiriath-arba, 'town of Arba' or 'town of four' (Gen 23:2; Josh 14:15).

Against the English

English simply transliterates the name. Nothing is lost except the city's associations, which a modern reader may not know.

Used elsewhere in the period

Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah near Hebron, and the patriarchs and matriarchs were buried there (Gen 23; 25:9; 49:29–32; 50:13). Numbers 13:22 calls it 'built seven years before Zoan in Egypt' and the home of the descendants of Anak. Its king Hoham led the southern coalition against Gibeon (Josh 10:3–5). It was later given to Caleb (Josh 14:13–15; 15:13–14), made a city of refuge and a Levitical town (20:7; 21:11–13), and became David's first royal capital (2 Sam 2:1–4).

From the study of Genesis 23:19

Range of meaning

A town in the southern hill country. Its name is usually linked to the root ch-b-r, 'join' or 'ally' (as in chaver, 'companion'). Genesis says it was earlier called Kiriath-arba, 'town of Arba' or 'town of four' (23:2; 35:27; Josh 14:15).

Against the English

English versions mark 'that is, Hebron' as an aside, which matches the Hebrew. Readers should know it is the narrator updating the place name for later Israelites.

Used elsewhere in the period

Numbers 13:22 notes that Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. Hebron was later Caleb's inheritance (Josh 14), a city of refuge (Josh 20:7), and David's first royal city (2 Sam 2:1–4). Excavations at Tel Rumeida show a walled Middle Bronze Age town.