Lexical Summary Abi-albon: Abi-albon Original Word: אֲבִי־עַלבוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abialbon From 'ab and and an unused root of uncertain. Derivation; probably, father of strength (i.e. Valiant); Abialbon, an Israelite -- Abialbon. see HEBREW 'ab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ab and an unused word Definition "father of strength," one of David's heroes NASB Translation Abi-albon (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבִיעַֿלְבוֺן proper name, masculine a hero of David 2 Samuel 23:31 read אֲבִיאֵל so ᵐ5 1 Chronicles 11:32, compare DrS (WeS אביבֿעל (see below אביאל); otherwise KloS. עַלְבּוֺן only in אֲבִיעַֿלְבּוֺן q. v. above עלג (√ of following, compare לעג, and see especially LagM iii. 29 ff. NöZMG xii (1887), 718 f., who cites Mandean אלנא). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context “Abialbon the Arbathite” appears once, in the roll of David’s elite warriors (2 Samuel 23:31). The parallel record, “Abiel the Arbathite” (1 Chronicles 11:32), confirms that the same man is in view. His placement is within “The Thirty,” a corps distinguished from “The Three” but nonetheless renowned for valor in the long wars that secured David’s kingdom. Historical Setting The list in 2 Samuel 23 celebrates achievements that span David’s reign, reaching back to the wilderness campaigns and extending through the consolidation of Jerusalem. Abialbon served during a period marked by relentless conflict with Philistines, Arameans, Ammonites, and other neighboring powers (2 Samuel 8–12). Membership in “The Thirty” implies combat proficiency, tested loyalty, and an oath-bound relationship to the anointed king. Regional Origin – The Arbathite The term “Arbathite” links Abialbon to the ʿArabah, the rift valley running south of the Dead Sea, or to Beth-arabah on the Benjamin/Judah border (Joshua 15:6; 18:22). If so, he hailed from a sparsely populated, rugged region, producing hardy desert fighters whose skills complemented those drawn from more fertile districts. Textual Harmony: Abialbon and Abiel The Samuel form preserves a fuller compound; Chronicles shortens it, a pattern seen elsewhere (e.g., “Ish-bosheth” / “Esh-baal”). This variation reflects differing scribal traditions rather than contradiction, underscoring the complementary nature of the historical books. Role among David’s Mighty Men 1. Martial Excellence – Inclusion in the list implies acts of bravery comparable to exploits explicitly recorded for others (2 Samuel 23:8–23). Spiritual and Ministry Significance • God Notices the Unheralded – Scripture preserves Abialbon’s name though his deeds remain unrecorded, reminding believers that faithful service never escapes divine notice (Hebrews 6:10). Legacy in Redemptive History Abialbon’s solitary mention assures that even briefly recorded saints contribute to the unfolding account that culminates in Jesus Christ. The chronicling of his name alongside celebrated heroes such as Benaiah and Eleazar demonstrates that God values faithfulness over fame, encouraging every generation of believers to stand resolute in their appointed sphere of service. Forms and Transliterations עַלְבוֹן֙ עלבון ‘al·ḇō·wn ‘alḇōwn alVonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:31 HEB: אֲבִֽי־ עַלְבוֹן֙ הָֽעַרְבָתִ֔י עַזְמָ֖וֶת NAS: Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth KJV: Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth INT: Abi-albon the Arbathite Azmaveth 1 Occurrence |