אֲבִירָם (a.vi.ram)
a.vi.ram
Abiram
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Abiram means "my father is exalted," referring to two distinct figures in the Old Testament. The first appears in Numbers 16 as a son of Eliab and brother of Dathan, a Reubenite leader who joined Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Their challenge to religious authority resulted in divine judgment, marking them as symbols of insubordination in Israel’s wilderness journey.
A second Abiram is mentioned much later in 1 Kings 16:34. He is the son of Hiel from Bethel, who rebuilt Jericho at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons, fulfilling Joshua’s ancient curse. This repetition of the name across centuries underscores a theme of consequences for opposing God’s established order.
Though not a theological term, Abiram serves as a narrative marker for resistance to divine leadership. The sources highlight how both individuals face severe outcomes, reinforcing the seriousness of aligning with God’s will rather than human ambition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abiram appears in Scripture as a reminder that human ambition often clashes with divine authority. In the wilderness narratives, Abiram stands alongside Korah and Dathan as a leader who challenged God’s chosen order. Their story is not merely historical; it illustrates the danger of rejecting established leadership and assuming one knows better than God’s design for community.
Centuries later, the name reappears in the life of Hiel, whose attempt to rebuild Jericho resulted in the loss of his sons. This recurrence highlights a consistent biblical theme: actions taken in defiance of God’s word carry serious consequences. For believers today, these accounts serve as sobering reflections on the importance of humility and submission to God’s will.
While the name itself does not offer direct encouragement, its presence in the text invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to accept God’s authority even when it conflicts with our desires? The stories of Abiram remind us that aligning with God’s purposes brings stability, while resistance leads to brokenness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Abiram7×
- by/ Abiram1×
- and/ to/ Abiram1×
- and/ <to>/ Abiram1×
- Abiram1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲבִירָ֜ם3×
- וַ/אֲבִירָ֑ם2×
- וַ/אֲבִירָֽם\׃1×
- וַ/אֲבִירָ֖ם1×
- וְ/לַ/אֲבִירָ֗ם1×
- וְ/לַ/אֲבִירָ֖ם1×
- בַּ/אֲבִירָ֨ם1×
- אֲבִירָֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 16:1
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took some men.
This verse introduces Abiram as a key participant in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, establishing his role as a challenger of divine authority.
-
Numbers 26:9
The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram who were called by the congregation, who rebelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah when they rebelled against Yahweh;
Here, Abiram is explicitly identified with those who rebelled against Yahweh, linking his name directly to the consequence of divine judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abiram mean?
Who was Abiram in the Bible?
Why is Abiram mentioned twice in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Numbers 6 verses
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the…
Numbers 16:12Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, “We won’t come up!
Numbers 16:24“Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from around the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram!’”
Numbers 16:25Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.
Numbers 16:27So they went away from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side. Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood at…
Numbers 26:9The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram who were called by the congregation,…