יִבְלְעָם (yiv.le.am)
yiv.le.am
Ibleam
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Ibleam is a place name appearing in three Old Testament verses, primarily within the books of Judges and Joshua. The Hebrew form yivleam translates roughly to "devouring the people," though this etymology likely reflects ancient local tradition rather than a literal description of the city’s function. It is identified as a settlement belonging to the tribe of Manasseh, situated in the West-Jordan territory.
The exact location remains uncertain, with scholars noting it may have fallen within the borderlands of Issachar or Asher as well. This ambiguity highlights the complex tribal boundaries during the period of conquest and settlement. The name’s appearance in these texts anchors the narrative geography, marking specific points where Israelite forces moved or established control.
Its brevity in Scripture—only three mentions—suggests it was a minor but recognizable locality rather than a major political center. Translators consistently render it as Ibleam, preserving the proper noun without attempting to adapt the meaning for modern readers. This retention respects the historical specificity of the place while acknowledging the limits of our current archaeological knowledge.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ibleam appears only three times in Scripture, marking a small settlement in the territory of Manasseh. Its name suggests a local identity rooted in ancient tradition, yet its brevity reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary places and people. These brief mentions anchor the narrative geography of Israel’s conquest and later history, showing how specific locations played roles in broader divine purposes.
For believers today, Ibleam illustrates that faithfulness is not confined to major cities or famous figures. Even minor towns contributed to the story of God’s people. This encourages us to trust that our own small steps, quiet service, and faithful presence in everyday settings matter deeply to God. We serve a Lord who notices every detail of our lives.
When we read about places like Ibleam, we are invited to see Scripture as a real history grounded in actual land and communities. This connection between text and place helps us appreciate the tangible nature of God’s promises. It reassures us that faith is lived out in concrete ways, within specific contexts and relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ibleam2×
- and/ Ibleam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִבְלְעָם֙1×
- יִבְלְעָ֔ם1×
- וְ/יִבְלְעָ֨ם1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 17:11
Manasseh had three heights in Issachar, in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns.
This verse lists Ibleam among Manasseh’s holdings, showing its role in the tribal allotment during the initial settlement.
-
Judges 1:27
Manasseh didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Here Ibleam exemplifies the incomplete conquest, where Canaanites remained and influenced the region despite Israelite claims.
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II Kings 9:27
But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. Jehu followed after him, and said, “Strike him also in the chariot!” They struck him at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. He fled to Megiddo, and died there.
The ascent of Gur near Ibleam becomes the site of King Ahaziah’s flight and death, linking this minor location to a pivotal royal event.