חֹבָב (cho.vav)
cho.vav
Hobab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hobab, meaning "cherished," identifies a specific individual in the wilderness narratives: the son of Reuel (also called Jethro) and brother to Zipporah. He appears primarily in Numbers 10:29 and Judges 4:11 as Moses’ brother-in-law and a Midianite guide familiar with the desert terrain.
His role highlights the practical wisdom of integrating local knowledge into Israel’s journey. In Numbers, Moses invites him to accompany the people, valuing his expertise in navigating the wilderness. This interaction underscores how God used relationships across cultural lines to sustain His people during their travels.
Though mentioned only twice, Hobab represents the bridge between Moses’ family and the broader community of Israelites. His presence reminds readers that divine guidance often works through human connections and practical assistance, not just miraculous signs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hobab means "cherished," a gentle reminder that God values the people He places in our path. In Numbers, Moses invites this Midianite relative to join Israel’s journey, recognizing that practical wisdom and local knowledge are gifts from God. This shows us that divine guidance often works through human relationships and shared resources, not just miraculous signs.
When we face new challenges or unfamiliar terrain in life, we do not have to navigate it alone. Just as Moses welcomed Hobab’s expertise, we can find strength in the counsel of those who have walked similar paths. Cherishing these connections allows God to sustain us through community and mutual support.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Hobab1×
- Hobab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ֠/חֹבָב1×
- חֹבָ֖ב1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 10:29
Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”
This verse shows Moses actively inviting Hobab to share in Israel’s journey, demonstrating that God’s provision includes the wisdom of trusted companions.
-
Judges 4:11
Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.
Here Hobab is remembered as Moses’ brother-in-law, linking the Kenites to Israel’s history and showing how family ties extended into the broader community.