הֹבֶן

ebony

Definition

הֹבֶן (hôben) refers to ebony, a dense, dark, and valuable hardwood. In the Bible, it appears only in Ezekiel 27:15, where it is listed among the luxury goods traded by the city of Tyre. The term specifically denotes the prized, black heartwood of tropical trees, known for its hardness and fine polish, making it a material for high-status items like inlays, furniture, and ornamental carvings. Its singular biblical occurrence highlights its role as an exotic import, symbolizing wealth and international commerce.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 27:15. It appears in a prophetic lament over Tyre, detailing the city's extensive trade network. Here, ebony is listed alongside ivory, embroidered goods, and other luxuries brought from Dedan and other regions, illustrating the opulence and far-reaching economic connections of Tyre before its judgment.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to be hard,' הֹבֶן is found only in its plural form (הָבְנִים, havnim) in Ezekiel 27:15. This etymology directly reflects the wood's characteristic hardness. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian (hubnu) and Egyptian (hbnj), all referring to ebony, indicating it was a well-known, cross-cultural trade commodity in the ancient Near East.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, ebony was a prestigious import, sourced primarily from regions like Nubia (modern Sudan) or India via trade routes. Its extreme density and deep black color made it a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, used for royal furnishings, musical instruments, and religious idols. Its mention in Ezekiel underscores the material excess and global pride of Tyre, a hub of maritime trade, contrasting with the prophet's message of divine judgment on such wealth.

עֵץ (ʿēts, H6086) — a general term for 'wood' or 'tree,' whereas הֹבֶן specifies the precious hardwood ebony.

Word Details

Scripture References