יָבִין (ya.vin)
ya.vin
Jabin
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yabin appears in the books of Joshua and Judges as the title for two distinct kings of Hazor, a prominent Canaanite city. The lexicon identifies the first as the ruler who organized a powerful northern coalition against Joshua, which was decisively defeated at the waters of Merom (Joshua 11). A later king with the same name is mentioned in Judges, whose general Sisera fell to Barak.
Etymologically, the name means "whom God observes." This meaning adds a layer of irony to the biblical narrative, as these rulers sought military dominance yet were ultimately subject to divine judgment. The repetition of the name across generations suggests it was a dynastic title or a common royal name in that region, rather than referring to a single individual.
Translators typically render Yabin simply as a proper noun without translating its meaning, preserving its identity as a historical figure. Its presence in these conquest narratives highlights the political landscape of Canaan before the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, marking Hazor as a central power that was removed to allow for the settlement of the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yabin appears in Scripture as a ruler of Hazor, a powerful city in northern Canaan. The meaning of the name, "whom God observes," offers a quiet reminder that no earthly power operates outside of divine awareness. These kings built armies and formed coalitions, yet their strength was temporary compared to the sovereignty of God.
When we read about Jabin’s defeat, it is easy to focus on the military victory. However, the deeper truth is that God protects His people from overwhelming odds. The narrative shows that human might cannot stand against divine purpose. This brings comfort to those facing challenges that seem too large to handle alone.
History records these events to show that God remains faithful to His promises. Whether in ancient battles or personal struggles, the same God who observes and acts is present today. We can trust in His timing and His justice without fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jabin7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָבִ֣ין5×
- יָבִ֥ין1×
- יָבִ֔ין1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 11:1
When Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph,
This verse introduces Jabin as a unifier of northern kings, showing the scale of the threat Israel faced before God’s intervention.
-
Judges 4:2
Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
Here Jabin is described as reigning in Hazor while God actively sells him into Israel’s hand, highlighting divine sovereignty over history.
-
Judges 4:23
So God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel on that day.
This verse explicitly states that God subdued Jabin, attributing the military victory directly to divine action rather than human strategy.