חֶשְׁבּוֹן (chesh.bon)
chesh.bon
Heshbon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Heshbon refers to a significant city east of the Jordan River, best known as the capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites. Its meaning is "stronghold," reflecting its strategic position on the border between the territories allotted to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The city appears frequently in historical narratives, particularly in Numbers, Joshua, and Deuteronomy, marking key moments in Israel’s journey through the land.
Beyond its military importance, Heshbon held cultural weight. It was celebrated for its beauty and water features, as seen in Song of Solomon 7:4, where it is likened to a tower adorned with purple garments. This poetic image contrasts with its later portrayal in prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 15:4 and Jeremiah 48:2, where the city’s fall symbolizes judgment against Moab. The sources note that the site corresponds to modern Esbusan, preserving its ancient identity across centuries.
Translators consistently render חֶשְׁבּוֹן as "Heshbon," maintaining its proper noun status without adding interpretive glosses. Its recurrence in different genres—history, poetry, and prophecy—shows how a single place can carry varied theological significance depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Heshbon was more than a fortified city on the map; it stood as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in difficult times. When Israel faced Sihon, a powerful king who refused to let them pass, the people could have relied on their own strength. Instead, they remembered that the Lord had already given the victory. This place marks a moment where fear turned into trust, showing us that our battles are often won before we even pick up a sword.
Even in poetry and prophecy, Heshbon carries weight. It was once celebrated for its beauty, yet later used to speak of judgment when pride took hold. For you, this word invites reflection on where you place your security. Is it in your own plans and strongholds, or in the One who guides history? The story of Heshbon encourages us to look beyond our immediate struggles to see God’s larger purpose unfolding.
When life feels like a closed door, remember that God can open paths where none seemed possible. His promises remain steady, even when human hearts are stubborn. Rest in the knowledge that He is with you, guiding your steps just as He guided Israel through the wilderness toward the land He promised.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Heshbon19×
- in/ Heshbon10×
- from/ Heshbon2×
- O Heshbon2×
- and/ from/ Heshbon1×
- and/ Heshbon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן5×
- בְּ/חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן5×
- חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן4×
- חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן3×
- חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙2×
- חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן2×
- בְּ/חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן\׃2×
- מֵֽ/חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן1×
- מֵ/חֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן1×
- חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן\׃1×
- חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן1×
- חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן1×
Key Verses
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Numbers 21:34
Yahweh said to Moses, “Don’t fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people, and his land. You shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”
This verse highlights God's direct command to Moses not to fear, emphasizing that the victory over Sihon was secured by divine intervention rather than military might.
-
Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for Yahweh your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as it is today.
Here the text explains that Sihon’s refusal to let Israel pass was permitted by God to bring about his downfall, showing how human obstinacy can serve a larger divine plan.
-
Numbers 32:37
The children of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
This occurrence shows the tribe of Reuben actively rebuilding Heshbon, turning a former enemy stronghold into a settled home for God's people.
-
Joshua 12:2
Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the middle of the valley, and half Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, the border of the children of Ammon;
The reference lists Sihon’s extensive territory ruled from Heshbon, serving as a historical record of the land successfully conquered and distributed among the tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Heshbon mean?
Why is Heshbon mentioned in different parts of the Bible?
Who was Sihon and what was his connection to Heshbon?
Is Heshbon mentioned in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 7 books)
Numbers 8 verses
Israel took all these cities. Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its villages.
Numbers 21:26For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken…
Numbers 21:27Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;
Numbers 21:28for a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high…
Numbers 21:30We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba.”
Numbers 21:34Yahweh said to Moses, “Don’t fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people, and his land. You…
Numbers 32:3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,
Numbers 32:37The children of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,