לֹא דְבַר

לֹא דְבַר

Lo-Debar, a place in Palestine

Definition

Lo-Debar is a place name in the Old Testament, meaning 'pastureless' or 'no pasture,' indicating a location possibly lacking in fertility or resources. It is identified as a town in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, within the territory of the tribe of Gad (Joshua 13:26). In the biblical narrative, Lo-Debar is most notably the residence of Machir son of Ammiel, who provided refuge for Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan, before David showed him kindness (2 Samuel 9:4-5). Later, Machir from Lo-Debar also brought supplies to David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27).

Biblical Usage

Lo-Debar appears three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in the historical books of 2 Samuel. It is used as a proper noun to designate a specific geographical location in Gilead. In 2 Samuel 9:4-5, it identifies where Mephibosheth was living, highlighting his obscure and vulnerable status. In 2 Samuel 17:27, it denotes the hometown of Machir, who supported King David in a time of crisis, showcasing loyalty from the Transjordan region.

Etymology

The name Lo-Debar is derived from the Hebrew negative particle לֹא (lôʾ, H3808), meaning 'no' or 'not,' and the noun דֹּבֶר (dōḇer, H1699), meaning 'pasture,' 'word,' or 'thing.' Thus, it literally means 'no pasture' or 'pastureless.' Some textual variations exist, such as לוֹ דבַר (lô dᵉḇar) in 2 Samuel 9:4-5 and לִדְבִר (liḏḇir) in Joshua 13:26, which may reflect different vocalizations or scribal traditions.

Semantic Range

Lo-Debar holds theological significance as a symbol of obscurity and marginality. Mephibosheth's residence there represents his fallen state—a royal heir living in a forgotten place, which makes King David's subsequent act of covenantal kindness (2 Samuel 9) a powerful illustration of grace and restoration. The town's name, meaning 'no pasture,' may subtly contrast with God's role as the provider of spiritual pasture, enriching the narrative of divine faithfulness to the house of Saul through David. In its ancient Near Eastern context, a place name meaning 'pastureless' likely indicated an area perceived as barren or economically poor, possibly on the margins of fertile land. Lo-Debar's location in Gilead, a region known for its pastures and forests, makes this name ironic or descriptive of a specific sub-region. Its mention as a refuge for Mephibosheth reflects the cultural practice of seeking safety in remote towns during political turmoil. Debir (Dᵉbîr, H1688) — A different Canaanite city, also meaning 'oracle' or 'sanctuary,' located in Judah, not Gilead. Ramoth-Gilead (Rāmôṯ Gilʿāḏ, H7216) — Another important city in Gilead, often associated with refuge and military significance, unlike the more obscure Lo-Debar.

Word Details