Abarim Publications'
Biblical Name Vault





Hub
Name Vault
On Names in the Bible
Methods and Sources
Bible Commentary
The Hebrew Alphabet






Translation Service
Hub Contact Book Reviews Copyright Author

Meaning, origin and etymology of the name Hebrew


A
B
C
D
E
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
Y
Z
 Hadassah
Haddakel
Hadoram
Hagar
Haggai (Haggi)
Haggiah
Haggith
Ham
Hamath
Hamathite
Hammath
Hannah
Hanoch
Haran
Harosheth-hagoyim
Havilah
Hazermaveth
Hazo
Hazor
Heber
Hebrew
Hebron
Heth
Hiddakel
Hivite
Hobah
Horeb
Hosea (Hoshea)
Hull

Hebrew Hebrew

Hebrew is a title or nickname rather than a personal name. It was initially given to Abram but later came to denote the Israelites.

The word Hebrew comes from the verb abar (abar 1556) meaning to pass over, through, take away. The first application of this word is in the name Eber. The second application is in the first occurrence of the word ibri, Hebrew in Gen 14:13, where Abram is called Hebrew. The first case of narrative use of this verb is in the enigmatic cadaver vision of Gen 15:17, "...there appeared a smoking furnace and a flaming torch that passed between these parts."

Other derivations of the verb abar:
The noun abar (eber 1556a) is a very common word that means beyond or across, and is used for all kinds of directions and locations usually in contrast to some other location (1 Sam 26:13, Neh 2:1);
The verb ebra (ebra 1556d) uses the root figuratively and means an overflowing of temper: wrath and rage. Sometimes this ebra stems in man (Amos 1:11 - he maintained his fury forever) and sometimes in God (Ps 78:49 - He sent on them the heat of his anger, fury and indignation and trouble);
The verb abar (abar 1556e) means to be arrogant or infuriate oneself (Prov 14:16, 20:2).
abur (abur 1556f) means produce. It is used in Josh 5:11-12 where the Israelites abandon their diet of manna and begin to eat the yield of Canaan.
Identical to the previous word is the preposition abur (abur 1556g), meaning because of, for. This word is always preceded by the particle be (be 193), meaning in or by. TWOTOT explains the relationship with the root as a movement 'from purpose (or cause) to accomplishment (or result).'
maabar (ma'abar 1556h) passage, such as the passage through the river Jabbok (Gen 32:23) or the passing of a striking staff (Isa 30:32). Similar is the feminine mabara (ma'bara 1556i), passage, wady.

Hebrew means Passed Over or Transitation or One Who Transits.

Another name that is constructed from this root is Abarim, from which this publication derives its name. The first novel produced by Abarim Publications is called Cross On Me.




• • •
home