Original Word: עֵבֵר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Eber
Pronunciation: AY-ver
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-ber)
KJV: Eber, Heber
NASB: Eber
Word Origin: [the same as H5676 (עֵבֶר - beyond)]

1. Eber, the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites

Eber, Heber

The same as eber; Eber, the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites -- Eber, Heber.

see HEBREW eber

Word Origin
from abar
Definition
"region beyond," a desc. of Shem, also the name of several Isr.
NASB Translation
Eber (15).

II. עֵ֫בֶר proper name, masculine Eber (perhaps eponym of Hebrews, form inferred from עִבְרִי, compare references there); —

1 'son' of Shelah, and 'grandson' of Arpachshad Genesis 10:24 (J) = 1 Chronicles 1:18; Genesis 11:14,15 (P); 'father' of Peleg and Joktan Genesis 10:25 (J; with especially reference to Joktan Genesis 10:26 ff., i.e. to Arabians) = 1 Chronicles 1:19 (compare 1 Chronicles 1:20ff.), of Peleg specifically Genesis 11:16,17 (P; with especially reference to Abraham Genesis 11:26f.) compare 1 Chronicles 1:25 (see 1 Chronicles 1:27f.); in Genesis 10:21 (J) Shem is called אֲבִי כָּלבְּֿנֵיעֵֿבֶר; ᵐ5 Εβερ. — ׳ע Numbers 24:24 perhaps (si vera lectio) belongs not here ( = עִבְרִים Hebrews, ᵐ5 Ἐβραίους, so Thes), but below I. עֵבֶר = the (land) beyond (the river), "" אַשּׁוּר, so Di Kau.

2 a Gadite chief 1 Chronicles 5:13, ᵐ5 Ωβηδ, ᵐ5^L Εβερ.

3 Benjamite names:

a. 1 Chronicles 8:12, ᵐ5 Ωβηδ, ᵐ5^L Αβερ.

b. 1 Chronicles 8:22 (עֵבֶר van d. H. Ginsb; עֶבֶד Baer), ᵐ5 Ωβδη, A Ωβηδ, ᵐ5^L Αβερ.

4 a priest Nehemiah 12:20 ᵐ5^L Αβεδ.

Identity and Lineage

Eber appears first in Genesis as the great-grandson of Shem, through Arphaxad and Shelah (Genesis 10:24). He fathers two sons, Peleg and Joktan (Genesis 10:25), thereby anchoring two major branches of post-Flood humanity. Genesis purposefully repeats his name (Genesis 11:14-17) to trace the messianic line from Shem to Abraham, underscoring Eber’s strategic place in redemptive history: “Shelah lived thirty years and became the father of Eber… Eber lived thirty-four years and became the father of Peleg” (Genesis 11:14-16).

The Table of Nations

Within Genesis 10 the Spirit records seventy nations, but only one man is singled out as the ancestral head of a later covenant people: “Shem was the forefather of all the sons of Eber” (Genesis 10:21). By highlighting Eber, Moses guides readers from the broad human family to the particular household through which “all the families of the earth” will be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Every succeeding reference to Eber in Chronicles (1 Chronicles 1:18-25) and Luke’s Gospel (Luke 3:35, Greek form “Heber”) intentionally preserves this continuity.

Connection to the Hebrews

While Scripture never explicitly states that the name “Hebrew” derives from Eber, the close phonetic affinity and the genealogical emphasis of Genesis have led Jewish and Christian students alike to see Eber as the eponymous ancestor of the Hebrew people. Thus when Abram is first called “Abram the Hebrew” (Genesis 14:13), the title situates him within Eber’s line, distinguishing him from Canaanites and reminding the faithful of God’s sovereign choice of lineage.

Divine Providence in Peleg and Joktan

Genesis 10:25 adds narrative depth: “Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided; and his brother was named Joktan”. Peleg’s branch remains in the genealogical path to Abraham (Genesis 11), whereas Joktan’s descendants populate the Arabian Peninsula. The “division” associated with Peleg probably alludes to the dispersion at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). God’s act of scattering the nations occurs during the lifetime of Eber’s household, illustrating that even global upheaval serves the unfolding of the promised seed.

The Benjaminite and Gadite Ebers

Genealogies record additional men named Eber. A Gadite military leader joins David in his wilderness stronghold (1 Chronicles 5:13). Two Benjaminites appear in Saul’s family lists (1 Chronicles 8:12, 22). These later bearers of the name testify to its honor and to the memory of the patriarch.

Post-Exilic Priesthood

Nehemiah 12:20 lists an Eber among priestly heads in the days of Joiakim. After exile, Judah purposely re-establishes ancestral continuity all the way back to Shem’s line through Eber. The presence of the name in the reconstructed priesthood affirms both genealogical precision and covenant fidelity.

Prophetic Reference in Numbers 24:24

Balaam’s oracle foresees “ships… from the coasts of Kittim; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to ruin” (Numbers 24:24). Here “Eber” functions geographically, denoting peoples west of the Euphrates descended from the patriarch. The prophecy anticipates Mediterranean powers (commonly identified with Greece or Rome) overwhelming both Assyria and the broader Eberite sphere, yet finally perishing themselves. This furnishes a sweeping preview of Gentile imperial cycles until the advent of Messiah’s everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44).

Theological and Ministerial Significance

1. God’s Sovereign Electing Grace

By isolating Eber within the Table of Nations, Scripture reveals a purposeful narrowing of the human family in preparation for the Abrahamic covenant and ultimately the Messiah. Believers find assurance that history is neither random nor autonomous but ordered by divine decree.

2. Faithfulness across Generations

Repeated mention of Eber in genealogies (Genesis 11; 1 Chronicles 1) and after the exile (Nehemiah 12) models the value of preserving godly heritage. Churches can draw practical encouragement to steward family records, testimonies, and doctrinal foundations for future generations.

3. Hope amid Global Upheaval

The “division” in Peleg’s days and Balaam’s forecast of Kittim’s rise and fall illustrate that geopolitical turmoil cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan. Pastors may comfort congregations with the reminder that the same sovereign hand guiding Eber’s household continues to govern world events.

4. Identity and Mission of the People of God

The likely link between Eber and the term “Hebrew” roots Israel’s identity in a historic person, reinforcing the biblical pattern of concrete, covenantal realities over abstract ethnicity. Christians, grafted into the promises through Christ (Galatians 3:29), inherit this legacy and are called to embody faith that “sojourns” while looking for the city with foundations (Hebrews 11:9-10).

5. Christological Trajectory

Luke 3:35 traces Jesus’ human lineage through Eber, demonstrating that the incarnation fulfills the ancient genealogical hope. Proclaiming Christ as the ultimate Son of Eber magnifies the unity of both Testaments and validates every promise of God.

Summary

Eber stands at a pivotal juncture in Scripture: bridging antediluvian patriarchy and post-Flood nations, foreshadowing Israel’s ethnic designation, and anchoring the genealogy of the Messiah. His fifteen canonical mentions, though largely genealogical, weave a rich tapestry of divine sovereignty, covenant continuity, and missionary identity that continues to instruct and encourage the church today.

וָעֵ֖בֶר וּלְעֵ֥בֶר ולעבר ועבר עֵ֑בֶר עֵ֔בֶר עֵ֕בֶר עֵ֗בֶר עֵ֥בֶר עֵֽבֶר׃ עבר עבר׃ ‘ê·ḇer ‘êḇer Ever ū·lə·‘ê·ḇer ūlə‘êḇer uleEver ulEver vaEver wā‘êḇer wā·‘ê·ḇerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts