לֹא דְבָר (lo de.var)
lo de.var
Lo-debar
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Lo-debar translates directly as "no pasture" or "nothing to do with words," reflecting a place defined by its lack of fertility or value. Located in the territory of Manasseh east of the Jordan River, this town appears in only four biblical verses, primarily within the narratives of 2 Samuel and the prophetic book of Amos.
Its geographical setting in Gilead suggests a rugged landscape where grazing land was scarce, making the name a literal description of the terrain. The brevity of its scriptural mentions highlights it as a minor but specific location in the political and social interactions of the Davidic court, rather than a center of religious or national significance.
Translators consistently render the Hebrew components to emphasize absence or negation, reinforcing the town's identity as a place devoid of resources. This stark naming convention serves as a concrete marker in the text, grounding the stories of figures like Mephibosheth in a tangible, albeit unremarkable, physical reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Lo-debar means 'no pasture' or 'nothing.' It describes a place where resources were scarce and value seemed absent. In the Bible, this town is not a center of power or spiritual significance. Instead, it serves as a quiet backdrop for moments of human connection and political maneuvering.
When David sought out Mephibosheth in Lo-debar, he was looking for someone who lived in obscurity. This reminds us that God’s care often reaches those who feel overlooked or without means. The story shows that kindness is not limited to places of abundance or prestige.
We can find comfort in knowing that our current circumstances do not define our worth. Even in seasons that feel barren or empty, there is room for unexpected grace and restoration. This word invites us to look beyond surface appearances and trust in deeper, enduring provisions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Debar4×
- from/ Lo2×
- to/ Lo1×
- in/ Lo1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דְבָֽר\׃2×
- מִ/לֹּ֣א1×
- מִ/לּ֥וֹ1×
- לְ/לֹ֣א1×
- דָבָ֑ר1×
- דְבָ֔ר1×
- בְּ/ל֥וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 9:4
The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.”
This verse identifies Lo-debar as the specific location where Mephibosheth lived, grounding the narrative of David’s kindness in a place known for its lack of resources.
-
II Samuel 17:27
When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
Machir is introduced as coming from Lodebar to support David, highlighting how even those from barren places contributed to the king’s survival during a crisis.
-
Amos 6:13
you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say, ‘Haven’t we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?’
The prophet uses the concept of 'nothing' or emptiness to critique Israel’s pride in achievements that ultimately hold no real spiritual value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lo-debar mean in English?
Why is Lo-debar mentioned in the Bible?
Is Lo-debar a significant religious site?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 3 verses
The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in…
II Samuel 9:5Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.
II Samuel 17:27When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of…