Hebrew

Hebrew - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

A name applied to the Israelites in Scripture only by one who is a foreigner (Gen. 39:14, 17; 41:12, etc.), or by the Israelites when they speak of themselves to foreigners (40:15; Ex. 1:19), or when spoken of an contrasted with other peoples (Gen. 43:32; Ex. 1:3, 7, 15; Deut. 15:12). In the New Testament there is the same contrast between Hebrews and foreigners (Acts 6:1; Phil. 3:5).

Derivation. (1.) The name is derived, according to some, from Eber (Gen. 10:24), the ancestor of Abraham. The Hebrews are "sons of Eber" (10:21).

(2.) Others trace the name of a Hebrew root-word signifying "to pass over," and hence regard it as meaning "the man who passed over," viz., the Euphrates; or to the Hebrew word meaning "the region" or "country beyond," viz., the land of Chaldea. This latter view is preferred. It is the more probable origin of the designation given to Abraham coming among the Canaanites as a man from beyond the Euphrates (Gen. 14:13).

(3.) A third derivation of the word has been suggested, viz., that it is from the Hebrew word 'abhar, "to pass over," whence 'ebher, in the sense of a "sojourner" or "passer through" as distinct from a "settler" in the land, and thus applies to the condition of Abraham (Heb. 11:13).

Hebrew - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

HE'BREW, n. [Heb. Eber, either a proper name, or a name denoting passage, pilgrimage, or coming from beyond the Euphrates.]

One of the descendants of Eber, or Heber; but particularly, a descendant of Jacob, who was a descendant of Eber; an Israelite; a Jew.

1. The Hebrew language.

HE'BREW, a. Pertaining to the Hebrews; as the Hebrew language or rites.

Hebrewess - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

HE'BREWESS, n. An Israelitish woman.

he'-broo, he'-broo-es (`ibhri, feminine `ibhriyah; Hebraios): The earliest name for Abraham (Ge 14:13) and his descendants (Joseph, Ge 39:14,17; 40:15; 41:12; 43:32; Israelites in Egypt, Ex 1:15; 2:6,11,13; 3:18; in laws, Ex 21:2; De 15:12; in history, 1Sa 4:6,9; 13:7,19, etc.; later, Jer 34:9, "Hebrewess," 34:14; Jon 1:9; in the New Testament, Ac 6:1; 2Co 11:22; Php 3:5). The etymology of the word is disputed. It may be derived from Eber (Ge 10:21,24,25, etc.), or, as some think, from the verb `abhar, "to cross over" (people from across the Euphrates; compare Jos 24:2). A connection is sought by some with the apri or epri of the Egyptian monuments, and again with the Habiri of the Tell el-Amarna Letters. In Ac 6:1, the "Hebrews" are contrasted with "Hellenists," or Greek-speaking Jews. By the "Hebrew" tongue in the New Testament (Hebraisti, Joh 5:2; 19:13,17,20; 20:16) is meant ARAMAIC (which see), but also in Re 9:11; 16:16, Hebrew proper.

James Orr

Definition

The term “Hebrew” refers in a very general sense to the people group descended from Abraham through the line of Isaac and Jacob.

• The specific word “Hebrew” can refer either to a individual person in the people group or to the language spoken by that people group.
• The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in the language called “Hebrew.” However, in most cases in the New Testament, the specific term “Hebrew” probably refers to the Aramaic language rather than the Hebrew language.
• In different places in the Bible, the Hebrews were also called “Israelites” or “Jews.” When translating, it is best to keep all three terms distinct in the text, as long as it is clear that these terms refer to the same people group.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Israel, Jew, Jewish leaders)

Bible References

• Acts 26:12-14
• Genesis 39:13-15
• Genesis 40:15
• Genesis 41:12-13
• John 5:1-4
• John 19:13
• Jonah 1:8-10
• Philippians 3:5

Word Data

• Strong’s: H5680, G14440, G14450, G14460, G14470