Original Word: אֲבִי־עַלבוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Abiy-`albown
Pronunciation: ah-vee-ahl-BOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-al-bone')
KJV: Abialbon
NASB: Abi-albon
Word Origin: [from H1 (אָב - father) and and an unused root of uncertain. derivation]

1. probably, father of strength (i.e. valiant)
2. Abialbon, an Israelite

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

Word Origin
from ab and an unused word
Definition
"father of strength," one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Abi-albon (1).

אֲבִיעַֿלְבוֺן proper name, masculine a hero of David 2 Samuel 23:31 read אֲבִיאֵל so ᵐ5 1 Chronicles 11:32, compare Dr^S (We^S אביבֿעל (see below אביאל); otherwise Klo^S.

עַלְבּוֺן only in אֲבִיעַֿלְבּוֺן q. v. above

עלג (√ of following, compare לעג, and see especially Lag^{M iii. 29 ff.} Nö^{ZMG xii (1887), 718 f.}, who cites Mandean אלנא).

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).
2. Covenant Loyalty – Like his comrades, Abialbon swore allegiance amid national upheaval, embodying steadfastness when Saul’s dynasty collapsed (2 Samuel 22:1).
3. Corporate Honor – “The Thirty” functioned as a bodyguard and strike force; every name strengthened the collective prestige of David’s rule and, by extension, the Lord’s choice of Israel’s shepherd-king.

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).
• Diversity within Unity – Warriors from desert lowland (Arbathite), highland (Harodite), and foreign origin (Igal son of Nathan of Zobah) served side by side, illustrating the later New Testament truth that varied members form one body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
• Model of Devotion to the King – Abialbon’s loyalty to David foreshadows the disciple’s allegiance to the Son of David. His quiet faithfulness challenges modern readers to courageous obedience whether or not history records spectacular exploits.

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.

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