אַבֵל מַיִם (a.vel ma.yim)
a.vel ma.yim
Abel-maim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Abel-maim translates to "meadow of waters," identifying a specific location in northern Israel. This place appears only once in the biblical text, recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:4 as a city taken by Ben-hadad king of Aram from Baasha king of Israel. The entry notes that this name is likely an alternative designation for Abel-beth-maachah, another town situated in the same northern region.
The element "Abel" in Hebrew place names often denotes a meadow or plain, while "maim" refers to waters. This combination suggests a settlement located near a reliable water source, which would have been strategically significant in the ancient landscape. The identification with Abel-beth-maachah highlights how different sources sometimes used varying names for the same geographic site.
As a proper noun, this word carries no abstract theological meaning beyond its function as a geographical marker. Its single occurrence serves to anchor a historical narrative about political alliances and territorial control during the reign of Asa. The name itself paints a picture of a fertile, watered landscape in the north, distinct from the arid regions further south.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Abel-maim means "meadow of waters," a name that paints a picture of fertile land sustained by reliable springs. In the ancient landscape, such a location was not just scenic but strategically vital for survival and trade. When we read about this place in Scripture, we see how geography often shaped the political and military decisions of kings.
The story behind Abel-maim reminds us that even small towns played significant roles in biblical history. It was captured during a time of tension between Israel and Aram, showing how local resources influenced larger conflicts. For us today, it invites reflection on how God uses ordinary places and events to accomplish His purposes, grounding His narrative in real soil and water.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maim1×
- Abel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָ֑יִם1×
- אָבֵ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 16:4
Ben Hadad listened to King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.
This verse marks the only biblical mention of Abel-maim, recording its capture by Ben-hadad as part of a broader campaign against King Baasha's cities.