עַבְדּוֹן (av.don)
av.don
Abdon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Abdon, meaning "servile" or "one who serves," appears in Scripture as both a place and a personal name. As a location, it was a Levitical city in the territory of Asher, allotted to the Gershonites and situated near modern-day Accho. This same site is also referred to as Ebron in some texts, highlighting how ancient places often carried multiple identifiers across different biblical books.
More prominently, Abdon is the name of a judge who led Israel before the monarchy was established. Described as the son of Hillel from the tribe of Ephraim, he served during a period described as peaceful and prosperous, with forty years of leadership marked by his own forty sons and thirty grandsons riding donkeys (Judges 12:13-15). This detail underscores the wealth and status associated with his family’s role in governance.
The name also surfaces in genealogical records for men from the tribe of Benjamin, including descendants of Gibeonites and relatives of King Saul. These various bearers of the name illustrate how a single term can span different tribes, eras, and social roles—from landholding Levites to royal kin—while retaining its core association with service or humility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abdon carries a simple but profound meaning: "servant." In the ancient world, names were often chosen to reflect a person's identity or their family's hope for them. When we see this name attached to judges, Levites, and even relatives of kings, it reminds us that service is not limited by social status. Whether governing a nation or managing land in a specific tribe, the core call remains the same.
In Judges 12:13-15, Abdon son of Hillel is remembered for a long period of peace and prosperity. His leadership was marked by stability, with his large family enjoying the security that comes from faithful governance. This highlights how serving God often brings not just personal humility, but tangible blessings and order to our communities.
For your own life, this word invites you to view service as a privilege rather than a burden. Like Abdon, you may find that true leadership and peace come from a heart willing to serve others in whatever capacity God has placed you. It is a quiet strength that honors God and builds up those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abdon5×
- and/ Abdon1×
- [was] Abdon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַבְדּ֥וֹן2×
- עַבְדּ֑וֹן2×
- עַבְדּ֨וֹן1×
- עַבְדּ֖וֹן1×
- וְ/עַבְדּ֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 12:13
After him, Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel.
This verse introduces Abdon as a judge who brought leadership to Israel during a time of peace, establishing his role in the nation's history.
-
Judges 12:15
Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.
It records his death and burial, marking the end of his forty-year tenure and highlighting the stability of his rule in Ephraim.
-
Joshua 21:30
Out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its pasture lands, Abdon with its pasture lands,
This reference identifies Abdon as a Levitical city allotted to the Gershonites, showing the name's connection to sacred land and service.