נְבָט (ne.vat)
ne.vat
Nebat
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nebat, meaning "aspect" or "regard," identifies the Ephraimite father of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He appears primarily in the historical books of Kings and Chronicles, where his lineage is traced to Zereda. Although he plays no active role in the narrative, his name serves as a crucial genealogical marker that links the rise of the northern monarchy to its founder.
Lexical sources derive the name from the root n-b-t, connecting it to concepts of looking or observing. This etymological link adds a subtle layer to the biblical account: while Nebat himself is a passive figure in the text, his son Jeroboam becomes the central observer and actor in the political split that divides the nation. The name thus anchors the story of Israel’s division in the background of a man whose legacy unfolds through his child.
The references to Nebat cluster around the transition from Solomon’s reign to the establishment of the northern kingdom. His mention in passages like 1 Kings 11:26 and 2 Chronicles 9:29 provides essential context for understanding Jeroboam’s background as an official under Solomon. This brief appearance highlights how family lines shaped the political landscape of ancient Israel, with Nebat serving as the pivotal link between the united monarchy and its subsequent division.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nebat appears frequently in Scripture, yet he never speaks or acts directly. He is simply the father of Jeroboam, a figure whose life becomes central to Israel’s division. This quiet presence reminds us that God’s plans often unfold through ordinary family lines and hidden generations. We may not see how our own lives connect to larger purposes, but Nebat’s story shows that every name in the biblical record matters.
His son Jeroboam leads the northern tribes away from Jerusalem, setting a pattern of idolatry that affects many kings after him. The text repeatedly references Nebat when describing this long decline. It suggests that choices made by one generation can echo through time, shaping the spiritual landscape for those who follow. Yet even in these difficult histories, we see God’s sovereignty at work.
When we read about Nebat, we are invited to trust that God sees and records every detail of our lives. Our ancestors’ stories, our own hidden struggles, and the quiet faithfulness of ordinary people all contribute to God’s unfolding narrative. There is comfort in knowing that no life is too small to be part of His story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nebat24×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְבָ֔ט7×
- נְבָֽט\׃4×
- נְבָ֛ט4×
- נְבָ֑ט4×
- נְבָט֙3×
- נְבָ֨ט1×
- נְבָ֗ט1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 11:26
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king.
This verse introduces Nebat as the father of Jeroboam, establishing the genealogical link that will drive the political split in Israel.
-
I Kings 12:15
So the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about from Yahweh, that he might establish his word, which Yahweh spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
Here the text explicitly states that the division of the kingdom was brought about by Yahweh to fulfill His word spoken to Jeroboam, Nebat’s son.
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II Kings 17:21
For he tore Israel from David’s house; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king; and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Yahweh, and made them sin a great sin.
This passage recalls how Israel made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king, highlighting the lasting consequence of this decision on the nation’s faith.
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II Chronicles 9:29
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, aren’t they written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
The chronicler lists Nebat’s son among the key figures recorded in prophetic histories, showing that even indirect mentions serve to document God’s dealings with His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nebat in the Bible?
Why is Nebat mentioned so often if he does not act?
What does the name Nebat mean?
Where does Nebat appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 3 books)
I Kings 8 verses
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow,…
I Kings 12:2When Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King…
I Kings 12:15So the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about from Yahweh, that he might establish his…
I Kings 15:1Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah.
I Kings 16:3behold, I will utterly sweep away Baasha and his house; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son…
I Kings 16:26For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sins with which he made Israel to sin, to provoke…
I Kings 16:31As if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took as wife Jezebel the…
I Kings 21:22I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for…