אֲבִינֹ֫עַם (a.vi.no.am)

a.vi.no.am

Abinoam

H0042 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

Abinoam is a proper name meaning “my father is delight.” It appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Judges. The name identifies him as the father of Barak, the military leader who commanded the forces against the Canaanite general Sisera.

As a personal name, it reflects a common ancient Near Eastern pattern where divine or familial blessings are embedded in one’s identity. Abinoam is described as a descendant of Naphtali, linking him to one of the northern tribes. His primary role in the narrative is relational: he is the parent of the man who leads Israel’s army in Judges 4 and 5.

The brevity of his mention highlights how ordinary individuals play crucial roles in biblical history. Though not a central figure himself, Abinoam’s lineage connects to one of Israel’s earliest military victories. The name itself, with its positive connotation of parental joy, stands in contrast to the violent context of the judges period.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Abinoam means "my father is delight," a simple expression of joy that stands out in the turbulent times of the Judges. Though he appears only briefly in Scripture, his presence reminds us that God often works through ordinary families and quiet lineages. We see him not as a warrior or prophet, but as the father of Barak, a man chosen to lead Israel in battle.

In Judges 4:6, we find Abinoam’s son called from Kedesh Naphtali to take command. This moment shows how God uses everyday relationships to fulfill His purposes. The joy embedded in Abinoam’s name contrasts with the violence surrounding him, offering a glimpse of peace within a chaotic era.

His story encourages us to trust that our own roles, however small they may seem, matter deeply to God. Whether we are parents, leaders, or followers, we are part of a larger narrative where divine joy meets human action. This connection between family and faith invites us to value the quiet contributions that sustain our communities.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Abinoam4×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

אֲבִינֹֽעַם\׃1×
אֲבִינֹ֖עַם1×
אֲבִינֹ֔עַם1×
אֲבִינֹ֑עַם1×

Key Verses

Judges 4:6
She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, ‘Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

This verse introduces Abinoam by identifying his son Barak as the leader called by Deborah, establishing Abinoam’s role in the narrative through his family connection.
Judges 5:1
Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

Here Abinoam is mentioned again in the Song of Deborah, linking his son’s victory to communal praise and highlighting the lasting impact of their obedience.
Judges 5:12
‘Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.’

The call to Barak as 'son of Abinoam' reinforces the familial identity central to the triumph, showing how lineage plays a part in celebrating God’s deliverance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Abinoam mean?

Abinoam means "my father is delight" in Hebrew. It reflects a common ancient Near Eastern pattern where names express familial or divine blessings, highlighting joy within family relationships.

Who is Abinoam in the Bible?

Abinoam is identified as the father of Barak, the military leader who commanded Israel’s forces against Sisera. He appears only in the book of Judges, linking his family to one of Israel’s early victories.

Why is Abinoam mentioned so few times?

He appears in just four verses, all within Judges 4 and 5. His brief mentions emphasize his role as Barak’s father rather than as a central figure, showing how ordinary individuals contribute to biblical history.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Judges 4 verses

Judges 4:6

She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of…

Judges 4:12

They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.

Judges 5:1

Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

Judges 5:12

‘Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.’