אָבֵל כְּרָמִים (a.vel ke.ra.mim)
a.vel ke.ra.mim
Abel-keramim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase Abel-keramim identifies a specific location in the territory of Ammon, translating literally to "meadow of vineyards." The name combines the common Hebrew word for meadow or mourning place with keramim, meaning vineyards. This combination paints a picture of fertile, agricultural land suitable for viticulture, distinct from the arid landscapes often associated with the region.
This place appears only once in the biblical text, within the narrative of Jephthah’s conflict with the Ammonites in Judges 10:4 and 11:33. Its single occurrence serves as a geographical marker for the extent of Israelite military success or territorial control during this period. The brevity of its mention highlights how place names in Scripture often anchor historical events to real, tangible locations.
Understanding Abel-keramim requires looking at the linguistic components rather than theological symbolism. The sources clarify that it is a proper noun for a city or region, not a metaphorical term. Its inclusion in the text grounds the story of Jephthah in a specific historical and geographical context, reminding readers that these ancient conflicts took place in defined, named places.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abel-keramim means "meadow of vineyards," painting a picture of fertile, agricultural land in the territory of Ammon. It appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific location where Israel achieved victory over the Ammonites. This single mention reminds us that God’s work often unfolds in real, tangible places with names and histories.
While we may not walk these ancient vineyards today, the story encourages us to trust that God is present in our own settings. Whether in times of conflict or peace, He guides events and provides for His people. We can find comfort knowing that our lives, too, are part of a larger, meaningful narrative.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Keramim1×
- Abel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּרָמִ֔ים1×
- אָבֵ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 11:33
He struck them from Aroer until you come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a very great slaughter. So the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.
This verse records the extent of Israel’s victory, showing Abel-keramim as the northern boundary of their conquest over Ammon.