אֲבִי־עַלְבוֹן

Abialbon, an Israelite

Definition

Abialbon is a proper name of a single individual in the Old Testament, appearing only in 2 Samuel 23:31. He is listed as one of King David's mighty men, known as the 'Thirty,' a group of elite warriors. The name itself is a compound, likely meaning 'father of strength' or 'my father is strength,' suggesting a personal or familial association with might and valor. As a proper name, it has no other semantic senses or applications beyond identifying this specific historical figure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively as a personal name in 2 Samuel 23:31, within the list of David's mighty men. It functions solely to identify an individual within a military and historical context, with no other usage patterns in the Hebrew Bible.

Etymology

The name אֲבִי־עַלְבוֹן (ʼĂbîy-ʻalbôwn) is a compound. The first element is from אָב (ʼāv, H1), meaning 'father.' The second element, עַלְבוֹן (ʻalbôwn), is of uncertain derivation, possibly from an unused root. Traditional analysis suggests it relates to strength or might, rendering the probable meaning as 'father of strength' or 'my father is strength.'

Semantic Range

As a personal name, Abialbon reflects the common Hebrew naming convention of incorporating the divine name or attributes of God (e.g., 'father' as a metaphor for source or protector) or desirable human qualities like strength. Being listed among David's mighty men places him within the cultural and military elite of ancient Israel, a group celebrated for their loyalty and martial prowess in establishing and defending the Davidic kingdom.

אֲבִינֵר (ʼĂvînêr, H74) — Another compound name ('father of light' or 'my father is a lamp') belonging to Saul's military commander. Both names use 'father' as the first element but differ in the attributed quality. אֲבִישַׁי (ʼĂvîyshay, H52) — Another of David's mighty men with a name beginning with 'father of,' meaning 'father of a gift' or 'my father is a gift.'

Word Details

Scripture References