חֶבְרוֹנִי
Chebronite (collectively), an inhabitant of Chebron
Definition
The term חֶבְרוֹנִי (Chebrôwnîy) is a proper noun used exclusively as a gentilic, meaning 'a Hebronite' or 'belonging to Hebron.' It collectively designates the inhabitants or descendants associated with the city of Hebron. In the biblical text, it specifically refers to a Levitical clan descended from Kohath, who were entrusted with significant religious and administrative duties. For example, in Numbers 3:27 and 26:58, the Hebronites are listed among the Kohathite families. In 1 Chronicles 26:23, 30-31, they are shown overseeing the treasury and other responsibilities 'west of the Jordan' for the service of the Lord and the king.
Biblical Usage
This word appears five times in the Old Testament, all within administrative or genealogical contexts. It is used in the books of Numbers and 1 Chronicles to identify a specific Levitical family group. In Numbers, the usage is purely genealogical, listing the Hebronites among the clans of Kohath (Numbers 3:27, 26:58). In 1 Chronicles, the usage expands to describe their assigned duties in the temple service and regional governance during the time of David (1 Chronicles 26:23, 30-31).
Etymology
The word is a patronymic adjective derived from the proper noun חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôn, H2275), meaning 'Hebron.' The suffix -ִי (-î) indicates belonging or relation, thus forming 'of Hebron' or 'Hebronite.' Hebron itself is a significant city in the Judean hills, meaning 'association' or 'league,' and was a key patriarchal burial site and an early capital for King David.
Semantic Range
The Hebronites highlight the organization and sanctity of the Levitical priesthood, which was central to Israel's worship. Their specific administrative roles, especially in overseeing temple treasures and regional justice (1 Chronicles 26:30-31), underscore the integration of spiritual and civic governance under God's covenant. Understanding this term enriches the reading of passages about the Levitical allotments and David's kingdom administration, showing how God provided structure for His people's religious life.
In its original setting, 'Hebronite' identified a person's geographic and tribal lineage, which was crucial for determining inheritance, social standing, and religious roles. Being a Levitical Hebronite conferred specific priestly duties and rights, distinct from other inhabitants of the city. This differs from a modern understanding of a city resident, as it carried hereditary religious obligations and authority.
לֵוִי (Lēwî, H3878) — A broader term for the tribe of Levi, of which the Hebronites were one clan. קְהָתִי (Qehāthî, H6956) — Refers to the descendants of Kohath, the larger family group that included the Hebronites.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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