חֶבְרוֹנִי (chev.ro.ni)
chev.ro.ni
Hebronite
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The term chevroni identifies the residents of Hebron or the descendants of Hebron, a grandson of Levi. As a gentilic adjective functioning as a collective noun, it distinguishes this specific group within the tribe of Levi. The sources note that the word appears with the definite article, treating "the Hebronites" as a distinct community rather than just individuals from that city.
Scripture uses this label in only five verses, primarily in Numbers and 1 Chronicles. In Numbers 10:31-32, Hobab is called a Hebronite, linking the term to the family of Moses’ father-in-law who settled among the Levites. Later, in 1 Chronicles 6:55-57, the text lists Hebron as a city of refuge assigned specifically to these descendants, highlighting their role in providing sanctuary.
This word anchors the identity of a Levitical clan tied to a geographic location. It reflects how biblical genealogies often merge lineage with place, showing that belonging to Hebron meant both ancestral descent from Levi’s grandson and residence in his eponymous city. The term thus preserves the memory of a family line entrusted with priestly duties in a key settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Hebronite identifies a specific branch of the Levites, descendants of Hebron, grandson of Levi. In the Bible, this term marks a distinct family line within the tribe responsible for sacred duties. It appears in genealogies and census records, showing how Israel organized its worship around lineage and location.
These families were entrusted with guarding the tabernacle and later serving under King David. Their identity was tied to both ancestry and the city of Hebron, a place of refuge and significance. This connection reminds us that our spiritual heritage is real and structured, linking us to a community of faith across generations.
Understanding this term helps us see how God values order and family in His people. It encourages us to honor our own roots and the roles we play in the body of Christ today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ Hebronite[s]3×
- the/ Hebronite[s]2×
- of the/ Hebronite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/חֶבְרוֹנִי֙1×
- לַֽ/חֶבְרוֹנִ֥י1×
- לַֽ/חֶבְרוֹנִ֡י1×
- לַֽ/חֶבְרוֹנִ֖י1×
- הַֽ/חֶבְרֹנִ֔י1×
- הַֽ/חֶבְרֹנִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:27
Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.
This verse lists the Hebronites as one of the four main families of Kohath, establishing their foundational role in tabernacle service.
-
I Chronicles 26:30
Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of Yahweh and for the service of the king.
Here, the Hebronites are shown holding a position of authority over Israel beyond the Jordan, indicating their continued importance in David's kingdom.
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I Chronicles 26:31
Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers’ households. They were sought for in the fortieth year of the reign of David, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead.
Jerijah is named as chief of the Hebronites, showing how leadership within this clan was recognized and recorded during David's reign.