חֶבְרוֹן (chev.ron)
chev.ron
Hebron; Hebron (Valley)
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 61 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name chevron means "association" or "league." It appears in Scripture as both a place and a person, reflecting a theme of coming together. The most famous instance is the city in southern Judah, located about twenty miles south of Jerusalem. This location holds deep historical weight, serving as a key site where Abraham built an altar and later becoming a major urban center for the tribe of Judah.
Beyond geography, the name identifies several individuals within biblical genealogies. It names the third son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, linking it to the priestly line. The term also describes descendants of Caleb and members of the tribe of Judah during the divided monarchy. In one instance, it combines with the word for valley to describe a specific landscape feature.
The consistent root meaning underscores the idea of community or union. Whether referring to a city that served as a refuge or a family line within Israel, the name points toward connection. Translators typically retain the transliteration "Hebron" rather than translating it, preserving its identity as a proper noun while hinting at its original sense of association.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hebron carries a quiet weight, rooted in the idea of association or league. In Scripture, it marks places where people gathered and families connected. Abraham built an altar near its oaks, seeking fellowship with God after years of wandering. That simple act of setting up camp and worshipping shows how faith often grows in the spaces between journeys.
Later, this same city became a refuge for those fleeing harm and an inheritance for Caleb, who trusted God through decades of waiting. The word reminds us that community is not accidental. Whether in genealogies tracing priestly lines or in stories of cities offering safety, Hebron points to the human need for belonging. It suggests that our lives gain meaning when we are woven into something larger than ourselves.
Today, this ancient name invites reflection on where we find our own sense of connection. We look for anchors in relationships and shared purpose. The history of Hebron shows that these bonds often endure through long seasons of change. It offers a gentle reminder that we are designed for association, finding strength in the leagues we form with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hebron25×
- in/ Hebron16×
- [is] Hebron7×
- Hebron/ towards7×
- at/ Hebron5×
- and/ Hebron2×
- to/ Hebron1×
- from/ Hebron1×
- [were] in/ Hebron1×
- [are] at/ Hebron1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶבְר֖וֹן7×
- חֶבְר֔וֹן6×
- בְּ/חֶבְר֑וֹן6×
- חֶבְר֑וֹן4×
- בְּ/חֶבְר֔וֹן4×
- חֶבְרֽוֹן\׃3×
- בְּ/חֶבְרֽוֹן\׃3×
- בְּ/חֶבְר֖וֹן3×
- חֶבְרוֹן֙2×
- חֶבְרוֹן֒2×
- חֶבְר֥וֹן2×
- חֶבְר֤וֹן2×
Key Verses
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Genesis 13:18
Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.
This verse establishes Hebron as a place of worship and divine encounter, where Abraham builds an altar to Yahweh.
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Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed Yahweh, the God of Israel wholeheartedly.
Here the city serves as Caleb's inheritance, highlighting his unique faithfulness and God's long-term provision.
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Joshua 21:13
To the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Libnah with its pasture lands,
Hebron functions as a city of refuge, showing its role in providing safety and justice for those seeking protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hebron mean?
Why is Hebron important in the Bible?
Is Hebron mentioned in genealogies?
Every Occurrence (61 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.
Genesis 23:2Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep…
Genesis 23:19After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the…
Genesis 35:27Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as…
Genesis 37:14He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.”…