← H4310 H4312 →

מֵידְבָא

𐤌𐤉𐤃𐤁𐤀

Meydeva

H4311 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Medeba, a toponym referring to a city east of the Jordan River; in biblical usage, a specific location in the territory ultimately associated with the tribe of Reuben or in later eras within Moabite control. The name's literal sense (based on folk etymology) is often rendered as 'waters of rest' or 'tranquil waters,' though the exact etymology is debated. In biblical texts, Medeba serves primarily as a geographic marker for military campaigns, tribal boundaries, and administrative divisions.

Semantic Range

proper name of a city east of the Jordan River, location in tribal or political boundary lists, site of military campaign, administrative center in Moabite territory; rarely, the name's components may be subject to folk etymology suggesting 'waters of rest'

Root / Etymology

The word is traditionally analyzed as a compound from מַיִם (mayim, 'water(s)') + דֹּבֶא (dov'a, traditionally rendered 'rest' or 'quietness'); however, the latter element's meaning is uncertain and may not reflect a true Hebrew derivation, suggesting the possibility of a non-Hebrew or local toponym origin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Medeba is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite journey in Numbers 21:30 and later occurs as a Moabite stronghold contested during the monarchic period (cf. Isaiah 15:2, 1 Chronicles 19:7). The city's history reflects shifting control among Israelites, Moabites, and later powers. The literal breakdown of the name (as per Strong's) is not certain; evidence suggests the name may predate Israelite settlement and its folk etymology ('waters of rest') is likely secondary. The site appears in the Mesha Stele as a Moabite city, reinforcing its significance in Iron Age Transjordanian geopolitics. Standard English translations generally render the word as a proper noun (Medeba) and do not translate its literal components, since it functions strictly as a place name. Distinct from similar-sounding Hebrew words related to 'water' or 'rest,' Medeba is unique as a toponym and should not be confused with common nouns or descriptors.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from מַיִם and דֹּבֶא; water of quiet; Medeba, a place in Palestine; Medeba.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

מים דבא (m-y-m, d-b-ʾ) — water, rest/quiet (alleged), place-name

Root מים, דבא water, rest (alleged); toponym

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H4311-01 מֵֽידְבָֽא meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva 5

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H4311-01 Numbers 21:30 מֵֽידְבָֽא meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva
H4311-01 Joshua 13:9 מֵידְבָ֖א meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva
H4311-01 Joshua 13:16 מֵידְבָֽא meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva
H4311-01 Isaiah 15:2 מֵֽידְבָא֙ meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva
H4311-01 1 Chronicles 19:7 מֵידְבָ֑א meydeva HNp Medeba Medeba Meydeva
← H4310 Hebrew Lexicon H4312 →