עַרְבָתִי (ar.va.ti)
ar.va.ti
Arbathite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The noun arbathi identifies a person from Beth-arabah, a location associated with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The term literally means "of Beth-arabah," linking the individual directly to this specific settlement rather than describing a general characteristic or occupation.
Beth-arabah itself is interpreted as "house of the depression" or "desert house," suggesting a dwelling situated in a low-lying or arid area. This geographical detail helps situate the Arbathites within the broader landscape of ancient Israel, highlighting their connection to a distinct regional identity.
Although this word appears only twice in Scripture, its occurrence in both II Samuel and I Chronicles underscores the importance of genealogical records in these texts. By naming individuals according to their hometown, the biblical authors preserve the social and tribal structure of the community, ensuring that each person's origin remains part of the historical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often serve as anchors for memory, connecting individuals to their families and land. The term 'Arbathite' identifies a person from Beth-arabah, a place whose name suggests a dwelling in a low-lying or arid region. This simple descriptor does more than list a hometown; it preserves the social fabric of ancient Israel by tying each person to a specific community within the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Seeing these names recorded in II Samuel and Chronicles reminds us that God cares about the details of human history. Every name mentioned was known to Him, and every family line mattered to the preservation of His people. This attention to genealogy shows that our own roots and identities are held within a larger, divine narrative that values each person's place in the community.
When we read these lists, we are invited to trust that God remembers those who have passed before us. Just as the Arbathite was preserved in the text for future generations, your life and faith are recorded in His book. This continuity offers comfort, knowing that our stories are part of a faithful history that points toward Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Arbathite2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/עַרְבָתִ֔י1×
- הָ/עַרְבָתִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:31
Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
This verse lists Abialbon among David's mighty men, showing that individuals from modest settlements like Beth-arabah were valued warriors in Israel's history.
-
I Chronicles 11:32
Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
The parallel account in Chronicles confirms the Arbathite's inclusion in David's military roster, emphasizing the reliability of these genealogical records across different biblical books.