חוֹבָה
Chobah, a place in Syria
Definition
Chobah is a proper noun referring to a location in ancient Syria, mentioned only once in the Bible. It is identified as a place north of Damascus, specifically the point to which Abram pursued the coalition of kings who had captured his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:15). The name itself, derived from a root meaning 'to hide,' may suggest a hidden or sheltered location, possibly a strategic military position or a secure encampment. While its precise geographical identification remains uncertain, its context in Genesis 14 places it as a significant landmark in the narrative of Abram's military rescue operation.
Biblical Usage
The word חוֹבָה (Chobah) is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 14:15. It functions solely as a geographical proper noun, specifying the northernmost point of Abram's pursuit of the enemy kings: 'He pursued them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.' Its usage is purely locative, providing a specific destination within a military campaign narrative.
Etymology
The name חוֹבָה (Chobah) is the feminine active participle of the root חָבָה (H2247), meaning 'to hide, to withdraw, to take shelter.' As a participle, it means 'hiding place' or 'shelter.' This suggests the location may have been known for providing concealment or refuge, a fitting etymology for a place mentioned in the context of a pursuit.
Semantic Range
While Chobah itself is a minor geographical detail, its inclusion in Genesis 14:15 highlights the extent of Abram's faithful and decisive action to rescue his family. It underscores the theme of God empowering His chosen servant for victory far beyond his own territory. Understanding the name's meaning ('hiding place') can poetically contrast with Abram's overt, pursuing action, emphasizing that his security came from God's promise, not a hidden refuge.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, place names often described a location's physical characteristic or function. A name meaning 'hiding place' likely denoted a known geographical feature offering natural concealment, such as a wadi, cave network, or fortified hill. Its mention 'north of Damascus' situates it within the sphere of Aramean/Syrian city-states, reflecting the international scope of the conflict in Genesis 14.
No direct synonyms as a proper noun. Geographically related terms include: דַּמֶּשֶׂק (Dammeseq, H1834) — Damascus, the major city near which Chobah was located.
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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