Introduction:
Understanding proper names in the Bible is crucial for grasping the genealogical and historical contexts of the scriptures. One such name is Ἐβέρ (G1443: Eber), a significant figure in the genealogies of Genesis. Eber is traditionally regarded as an ancestor of the Hebrews, and his name is often associated with the origins of the term “Hebrew.” Exploring the meaning and significance of the name Ἐβέρ helps illuminate the ancestral lineage leading to the Israelites and provides insights into the historical and cultural background of the Biblical narrative. This name, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments, connects to broader themes of identity and heritage in ancient Hebrew culture.
Key Information:
- Greek Word: Ἐβέρ (Eber) [eh’-ber]
- Etymology: The name Ἐβέρ is of Hebrew origin, corresponding to the Hebrew word עֵבֶר (ʿĒḇer), meaning “the region beyond” or “one who crosses over.” It is derived from the root word עָבַר (ʿāḇar), meaning “to pass over” or “to cross.”
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Masculine)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings:
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- Eber: A proper name referring to a significant patriarchal figure in the genealogies found in Genesis. Eber is considered an ancestor of the Hebrews and is mentioned in the lineages leading to both Abraham and the Israelites.
Similar Words:
- Ἑβραῖος (Hebraîos) [heb-rah’-yos]: Meaning “Hebrew,” this term is related to Ἐβέρ as it denotes the ethnic identity of the descendants of Eber. The name Eber is often seen as the root of the term “Hebrew.”
- Περέζ (Pérez) [pe’-rez]: Another genealogical name, Pérez, also carries significant lineage importance, showing how proper names in the Bible often carry historical and symbolic weight.
Further Insights:
- Morphological Insights:
- Ἐβέρ is a proper noun, meaning it does not decline like regular nouns. It is used primarily in genealogical contexts and retains the same form regardless of its syntactical position in a sentence.
- The significance of the name Ἐβέρ in Biblical genealogies highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in ancient Hebrew culture, where names often conveyed deeper meanings related to identity and destiny.
Lexicon Insights:
BDAG: Ἐβέρ is identified as a proper name, with the lexicon noting its occurrence in genealogical contexts. It is directly associated with the Hebrew root meaning “to pass over” or “one who crosses over,” linking it to the concept of crossing boundaries, both literal and metaphorical.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἐβέρ as a proper noun referring to the patriarchal figure Eber, an ancestor of the Hebrews. It highlights the name’s connection to the Hebrew root עָבַר (ʿāḇar), emphasizing its significance in the formation of the term “Hebrew.”
Vine’s: Ἐβέρ is noted as the name of a significant genealogical figure in the Old Testament. Vine’s highlights the name’s symbolic connection to the Hebrews and the concept of crossing over or passing through, which is central to the identity of the Hebrew people.
LSJ: In classical Greek, Ἐβέρ is recognized as a transliteration of the Hebrew name, with usage primarily found in the Septuagint and New Testament genealogies. The lexicon emphasizes its role in linking the patriarchal lineages to the broader narrative of the Hebrew people.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Ἐβέρ is listed as a proper name, derived from the Hebrew word עֵבֶר (ʿĒḇer), meaning “the region beyond.” The concordance highlights its genealogical significance, particularly in the lineage of Shem, leading to Abraham.
Scripture References:
- Genesis 10:21: “Sons were also born to Shem, whose older brother was Japheth; Shem was the ancestor of all the sons of Eber (Ἐβέρ).”
- Genesis 11:16: “When Eber (Ἐβέρ) had lived 34 years, he became the father of Peleg.”
- Luke 3:35: “The son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber (Ἐβέρ), the son of Shelah.”
Classical Usage:
| Text Source | Example |
|---|---|
| Septuagint, Genesis | “And to Eber (Ἐβέρ) were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided.” |
| Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews | “Eber (Ἐβέρ) was the progenitor of the Hebrews, from whom they derived their name.” |
| Eusebius, Chronicon | “Eber (Ἐβέρ) is listed among the patriarchs who lived before the time of the flood.” |
Summary of Ἐβέρ (G1443: Eber):
The name Ἐβέρ (G1443: Eber) is a key genealogical term in the Bible, representing a significant patriarchal figure from whom the Hebrews are traditionally descended. Eber is an ancestor of Abraham and the Israelites, and his name is often associated with the etymology of the term “Hebrew.” Understanding Ἐβέρ provides insight into the genealogical narratives of Genesis, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in the Biblical text. Additionally, the name’s association with the Hebrew root meaning “to cross over” or “one who crosses” adds a symbolic layer to its significance, reflecting themes of transition, migration, and identity that are central to the Hebrew people’s history.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? The name Ἐβέρ is traditionally believed to be the origin of the term “Hebrew,” which is used throughout the Old Testament to describe the descendants of Eber, particularly those who crossed over into the Promised Land. This connection underscores the importance of Eber in the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.
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