Ancestor of Abraham; father of Peleg and Joktan
Eber
Named in 12 verses across 4 books, first in Genesis 10:21.
עֵ֫בֶרEber
ἘβέρEber
The name means “one that passes; anger.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Father
- Shelah
- People
- Early Patriarch
About Eber Written by AI
Eber is a significant figure in the genealogies of the Bible, mentioned in Genesis, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, and Luke. He is a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah, and an ancestor of Abraham, making him an important link in the lineage of the Israelites. In the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), Eber is listed as a descendant of Shem, through his great-grandson Arpachshad (Genesis 10:21). Eber is also mentioned as the father of Peleg and Joktan (Genesis 10:25). The division of the earth is mentioned in connection with Peleg, which some interpret as a reference to the scattering of people after the Tower of Babel incident. Eber's lineage is further detailed in Genesis 11:14 to 17, which records his age at the birth of his son Peleg (34 years), the length of his life after Peleg's birth (430 years), and his total lifespan (464 years). This places Eber in the context of the postdiluvian patriarchs, who lived extraordinarily long lives. In Numbers 24:24, Eber is mentioned in Balaam's prophetic oracle, where "ships from the coast of Kittim" are said to afflict Asshur and Eber. This suggests that Eber's descendants, the Hebrews, would face opposition from maritime powers. Eber is also listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1:18 and Luke 3:35, confirming his importance in the ancestral line of the Israelites. His name is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which some scholars believe is derived from his name, designating his descendants as "Hebrews."
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Eber, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Beyond. (1.). The third post-duluvian patriach after Shem (Gen. 10:24; 11:14). He is regarded as the founder of the Hebrew race (10:21; Num. 24:24). In Luke 3:35 he is called Heber.
(2.) One of the seven heads of the families of the Gadites (1 Chr. 5:13).
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(3.) The oldest of the three sons of Elpaal the Benjamite (8:12).
(4.) One of the heads of the familes of Benjamites in Jerusalem (22).
(5.) The head of the priestly family of Amok in the time of Zerubbabel (Neh. 12:20).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Genesis 10:21
And sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth; Shem was the forefather of all the sons of Eber.
- Genesis 10:24
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
- Genesis 10:25
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
- Genesis 11:14
When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber.
- Genesis 11:15
And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
- Genesis 11:16
When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg.
- Genesis 11:17
And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters.
- Numbers 24:24
Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”
- 1 Chronicles 1:18
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
- 1 Chronicles 1:19
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
- 1 Chronicles 1:25
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
- Luke 3:35
the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.