כָּלִבִּי (ka.lib.bo)
ka.lib.bo
Calebite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term ka.lib.bo identifies a member of the tribe descended from Caleb, the spy who trusted God’s promise to conquer Canaan. This gentilic adjective appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 25:3, where it describes Nabal as a Calebite. The usage anchors Nabal within a specific lineage known for its faithfulness and courage.
Its root lies in the name Caleb (H3612), which means "dog." While modern readers might find this unflattering, in the ancient Near East the dog often symbolized loyalty and tenacity. The sources suggest that being called a Calebite carried the weight of this heritage—a reputation for steadfast devotion to God and his people.
By linking Nabal to this famous ancestor, the text creates a sharp contrast. Caleb was known for his wholehearted trust in God, yet his descendant Nabal acts with arrogance and cruelty. The single occurrence highlights how lineage does not guarantee character; even those born into a legacy of faith can choose a different path.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Calebite carries a heavy weight of history, reminding us that our heritage shapes who we are but does not dictate who we become. In the ancient world, this term linked a person to Caleb, the spy known for his unwavering trust in God’s promises. It speaks of loyalty and courage, qualities that defined his ancestor.
Yet the Bible also shows us Nabal, a man called a Calebite who chose arrogance over faithfulness. This contrast offers a gentle warning: our family history or spiritual background does not save us if we ignore God’s ways. We are invited to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our actions align with the truth we claim to believe.
May we find strength in the example of faithful ancestors, while relying on God’s grace to guide our daily steps. Your lineage is part of your story, but your relationship with Him is what truly matters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] a Calebite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָלִבִּֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail. This woman was intelligent and had a beautiful face; but the man was surly and evil in his doings. He was of the house of Caleb.
This verse identifies Nabal as a Calebite, creating a stark contrast between his arrogant character and the faithful legacy of his ancestor.