לִבְנָה (liv.nah)
liv.nah
Libnah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun livnah, meaning "pavement" or "white stone," refers to a specific location in the biblical narrative. It appears sixteen times across the Old Testament, primarily within the lists of Israel’s wilderness encampments in Numbers and Joshua, as well as in historical accounts in Kings.
As a geographical marker, Libnah served as a stopping point between Mount Sinai and Kadesh-barnea during the forty-year journey. The name itself likely describes the physical character of the site, perhaps noting white limestone or a cleared, flat area suitable for camping. This concrete detail grounds the abstract concept of wandering in tangible reality.
Its repeated mention in the census-like records of Numbers highlights its role as a fixed point in the timeline of Israel’s movement. Later references in Kings connect it to the territory conquered by Judah, showing how a wilderness waypoint became part of settled tribal land. The word preserves the memory of a place where the community paused before continuing toward the promised inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Libnah appears as a concrete stopping point in Israel’s long journey through the wilderness. The name likely describes the physical nature of the site, perhaps white stone or a cleared area suitable for camping. These details ground the abstract experience of wandering in tangible reality, showing that God provided specific places for rest along the way.
Later biblical records show Libnah as part of Judah’s settled territory and even mention it in royal lineages. This progression from a temporary camp to a permanent home reflects how God guides His people through seasons of transition. The memory of this place reminds us that every pause in our journey has purpose, preparing us for what lies ahead.
When we face periods of waiting or movement in life, Libnah offers comfort. It shows that God is present in the ordinary moments of travel and rest, not just in dramatic events. His guidance continues through each stage, leading us toward our promised inheritance with care and precision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Libnah9×
- from/ Libnah5×
- to/ Libnah2×
- at/ Libnah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/לִּבְנָֽה\׃3×
- לִבְנָ֑ה3×
- לִבְנָ֖ה2×
- מִ/לִּבְנָ֖ה1×
- מִ/לִּבְנָ֑ה1×
- לִבְנָה֙1×
- לִבְנָֽה\׃1×
- לִבְנָ֥ה1×
- לִבְנָ֛ה1×
- לְ/לִבְנָֽה\׃\ \פ1×
- לְ/לִבְנָ֖ה1×
- בְּ/לִבְנָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:20
They traveled from Rimmon Perez, and encamped in Libnah.
This verse establishes Libnah as a specific encampment site during Israel's wilderness journey, marking a defined stage in their movement toward the Promised Land.
-
Joshua 10:29
Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, to Libnah, and fought against Libnah.
This verse records Joshua and Israel fighting against Libnah, demonstrating how this former wilderness camp became a strategic location in the conquest of Canaan.
-
II Kings 8:22
So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
Libnah's revolt alongside Edom illustrates how even settled communities could turn away from God, serving as a historical warning about faithfulness in times of peace.
-
Joshua 15:42
Libnah, Ether, Ashan,
This verse lists Libnah among the cities allotted to Judah, showing its integration into the tribal inheritance and permanent settlement of the promised land.