אֲבִי גִבְעוֹן
𐤀𐤁𐤉 𐤂𐤁𐤏𐤅𐤍
ʼĂbîy Gibʻôwn
H25
SILEX Entry
Definition
Personal name meaning 'father of Gibeon' or 'ancestor from Gibeon.' Used to identify a figure associated with the city of Gibeon, typically referenced in genealogical or clan lists. The name itself functions as a compound, suggesting a familial or foundational relationship to the city of Gibeon rather than indicating literal fatherhood. It is employed in the context of clan identification within Israelite genealogies, particularly regarding the Benjaminites.
Semantic Range
eponymous ancestor, clan founder, 'father' in the sense of a founding figure, personal name associated with the city of Gibeon, used in genealogical records
Root / Etymology
The name is a compound of אָב ('father; ancestor') and גִּבְעוֹן ('Gibeon,' a Benjaminite city northwest of Jerusalem). The personal name construction אֲבִי- ('Abi-', a construct state form meaning 'father/ancestor of') plus place or person frequently marks a founding ancestor or clan forebear identified with a location or community.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name אֲבִי גִבְעוֹן (Abi-Gibeon) appears in genealogical contexts in lists of Benjaminite clans (e.g., 1 Chronicles 8:29; 9:35). 'Father' here does not refer to a direct paternal relationship but instead conveys the role of founder or eponymous ancestor of the inhabitants of Gibeon. English translations sometimes render the term as 'father of Gibeon' or treat it as a proper name ('Abigibeon'). In monarchic and post-exilic periods, such names served to organize community and land affiliation. While later traditions sometimes treat such figures as individuals, within the biblical context these often stand for ancestor-figures representing clan or town groups. The English rendering 'father of Gibeon' is structurally accurate, but the connotation is closer to 'clan ancestor associated with Gibeon.' The members of this clan would have considered themselves as descendants or followers of this foundational figure; however, the personal historicity of Abi-Gibeon is not independently attested outside of these genealogical lists, and his role is as a symbolic eponym for clan identity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אָב and גִּבְעוֹן; father (i.e. founder) of Gibon; Abi-Gibon, perhaps an Israelite; father of Gibeon.
Bantu Hebrew
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Occurrences in Scripture
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