The meaning of Hebrew; Hebrewess in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
he'-broo, he'-broo-es ('ibhri, feminine 'ibhriyah; Hebraios): The earliest name for Abraham (Genesis 14:13) and his descendants (Joseph, Genesis 39:14, Genesis 39:17; Genesis 40:15; Genesis 41:12; Genesis 43:32; Israelites in Egypt, Exodus 1:15; Exodus 2:6, Exodus 2:11, Exodus 2:13; Exodus 3:18; in laws, Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12; in history, I Samuel 4:6, I Samuel 4:9; I Samuel 13:7, I Samuel 13:19, etc.; later, Jeremiah 34:9, "Hebrewess," Jeremiah 34:14; Jonah 1:9; in the New Testament, Acts 6:1; II Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:5). The etymology of the word is disputed. It may be derived from Eber (Genesis 10:21, Genesis 10:24-25, etc.), or, as some think, from the verb 'abhar, "to cross over" (people from across the Euphrates; compare Joshua 24:2). A connection is sought by some with the apri or epri of the Egyptian monuments, and again with the Habiri of the Tell el-Amarna Letters. In Acts 6:1, the "Hebrews" are contrasted with "Hellenists," or Greek-speaking Jews. By the "Hebrew" tongue in the New Testament (Hebraisti, John 5:2; John 19:13, John 19:17, John 19:20; John 20:16) is meant ARAMAIC (which see), but also in Revelation 9:11; Revelation 16:16, Hebrew proper.
James Orr
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
