Original Word: אֲבִינֹּעַם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Abiyno`am
Pronunciation: ah-bee-NO-am
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-no'-am)
KJV: Abinoam
NASB: Abinoam
Word Origin: [from H1 (אָב - father) and H5278 (נוֹעַם - favor)]

1. father of pleasantness (i.e. gracious)
2. Abinoam, an Israelite

Abinoam

From 'ab and no'am; father of pleasantness (i.e. Gracious); Abinoam, an Israelite -- Abinoam.

see HEBREW 'ab

see HEBREW no'am

Word Origin
from ab and noam
Definition
"my father is delight," the father of Barak
NASB Translation
Abinoam (4).

אֲבִי֫נֹ֫עַם proper name, masculine (my father is delight) father of Barak Judges 4:6,12; Judges 5:1,12.

Biblical setting

Abinoam is named only four times, each within the account of Israel’s deliverance from Canaanite oppression under Jabin king of Hazor (Judges 4–5). His sole scriptural role is to identify Barak, Israel’s military deliverer, as “Barak son of Abinoam.” The pattern is consistent:

• Judges 4:6 – Deborah “summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali.”
• Judges 4:12 – Sisera learns that “Barak son of Abinoam had gone up Mount Tabor.”
• Judges 5:1 – After victory, “Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song.”
• Judges 5:12 – The song exhorts, “Arise, Barak, and take captive your captives, O son of Abinoam!”

Historical background

The events occur early in the period of the judges, before Israel had a monarchy. For twenty years Jabin oppressed Israel through his general Sisera and nine hundred iron chariots (Judges 4:3). God raised up Deborah as prophetess-judge and Barak as commander. Abinoam’s mention locates Barak within the tribe territory of Naphtali, for Kedesh lay in Upper Galilee. While Abinoam himself does not appear in person, his name anchors Barak within a reputable, presumably faithful family in an era when spiritual apathy was common.

Role in the Judges narrative

1. Identification and credibility. Hebrew narrative often names the father of a principal figure when the father’s reputation lends weight to the son’s calling. Abinoam’s inclusion provides lineage and social legitimacy to Barak’s appointment by God through Deborah.
2. Covenant continuity. By citing Abinoam, the text reminds readers that God’s deliverers arose from ordinary households within Israel; covenant faithfulness was preserved in families, not merely institutions.
3. Literary refrain. “Barak son of Abinoam” functions as a refrain, heightening the contrast between humble tribal origins and the mighty work God accomplished.

Theological significance

• God works through family lines. In Scripture, covenant promises frequently pass from generation to generation (Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Abinoam, though silent, represents the prior generation whose faith fostered the deliverer Barak.
• Hidden faithfulness. Abinoam receives no spotlight, yet the victory over Sisera is tied to his heritage. The account affirms the value of unseen, faithful parenting that raises children to answer God’s call (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5).
• Humility exalted. Abinoam’s obscurity underscores that salvation belongs to the LORD (Psalm 3:8). Human laurels are unnecessary; a quiet life can still further God’s redemptive plan.

Ministry applications

1. Fathers and mentors today should cultivate environments in which faith is modeled and obedience encouraged, recognizing that their greatest impact may come through the service of their children.
2. Churches should honor those whose ministries are mostly private yet indispensable to public victories.
3. Believers can take heart that God notes every act of fidelity, even when history affords only a brief mention (Hebrews 6:10).

Related passages for study

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – parental responsibility in covenant instruction.
• Psalm 78:5-7 – teaching children so the next generation will set its hope in God.
• 2 Timothy 1:5 – the lineage of sincere faith from grandmother to mother to Timothy.

See also

Barak; Deborah; Sisera; Kedesh of Naphtali; Fathers in Israel.

אֲבִינֹ֑עַם אֲבִינֹ֔עַם אֲבִינֹ֖עַם אֲבִינֹֽעַם׃ אבינעם אבינעם׃ ’ă·ḇî·nō·‘am ’ăḇînō‘am aviNoamInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts