Lexical Summary Eber: Eber Original Word: Ἔβερ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Eber. Of Hebrew origin (Eber); Eber, a patriarch -- Eber. see HEBREW Eber NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Eber Definition Heber, an ancestor of Christ NASB Translation Heber (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1443: ἜβερἜβερ (Rst G), more correctly (L T WH) Ἔβερ (on the accent in manuscripts see Tdf. Proleg., p. 103; Treg. Ἑβέρ, cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 107; WH. Introductory § 408; cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Eber (“the region beyond,” “the one who crosses over”) is a post-Flood patriarch whose name in Hebrew evokes movement from one side to another. The root idea of crossing foreshadows a spiritual transition that will come to characterize the people later called “Hebrews” (literally, “those from the other side”). Old Testament Background Eber appears first in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:21–25) as great-grandson of Shem: Shem → Arphaxad → Shelah → Eber. He fathers two sons—Peleg (“division”) and Joktan—during the era when “the earth was divided” (Genesis 10:25), a phrase many link to the dispersal at Babel. Genesis 11:14-17 records that Eber lived 464 years, an extraordinary lifespan that bridges the world immediately after the Flood with the rapidly shortening life spans that follow. Connection with the Designation “Hebrew” Abram is called “Abram the Hebrew” in Genesis 14:13. While Scripture never explicitly says the term derives from Eber, the phonetic similarity and genealogical link are strong. Thus, Eber becomes the eponymous forefather of the Hebrews, marking them as a people who “cross over” in obedience—first Abram crossing the Euphrates, later Israel crossing the Red Sea and the Jordan. Place in the Genealogy of Jesus Eber’s sole New Testament appearance is in Luke’s inspired genealogy: “...Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah...” culminating in “...the son of Eber, the son of Shelah” (Luke 3:35). By situating Eber in the Messianic line, Luke underscores that the promise of salvation moves through the same historical family God preserved after the Flood, validating the continuity of covenant history. Theological Themes 1. Preservation of the Seed: Eber represents another vital link in the unbroken chain from Adam to Christ, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in preserving a lineage through which the Redeemer would come. Historical Significance Jewish tradition considers Eber a model of piety who refused idolatry during Babel’s rebellion. Though extra-biblical, this view harmonizes with Scripture’s silence regarding any compromise on Eber’s part and heightens his stature as a righteous bearer of the promise. Ministry Implications • Genealogies matter. Luke sets an example for preaching and teaching: even obscure names like Eber proclaim God’s sovereignty over history. Lessons for Today 1. Trust the long arc of God’s promises; centuries may pass, but His word stands. Eber, though mentioned only once in the Greek New Testament, embodies the themes of covenant continuity, pilgrimage, and divine faithfulness that pervade all of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations Εβερ Ἔβερ Eber ÉberLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |