Eber עֵ֫בֶר
Ancestor of Abraham; father of Peleg and Joktan
Biography
Eber is a significant figure in the genealogies of the Bible, mentioned in Genesis, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, and Luke. He is a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah, and an ancestor of Abraham, making him an important link in the lineage of the Israelites.
In the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), Eber is listed as a descendant of Shem, through his great-grandson Arpachshad (Gen.10.21,24). Eber is also mentioned as the father of Peleg and Joktan (Gen.10.25). The division of the earth is mentioned in connection with Peleg, which some interpret as a reference to the scattering of people after the Tower of Babel incident.
Eber's lineage is further detailed in Gen.11.14-17, which records his age at the birth of his son Peleg (34 years), the length of his life after Peleg's birth (430 years), and his total lifespan (464 years). This places Eber in the context of the postdiluvian patriarchs, who lived extraordinarily long lives.
In Num.24.24, Eber is mentioned in Balaam's prophetic oracle, where "ships from the coast of Kittim" are said to afflict Asshur and Eber. This suggests that Eber's descendants, the Hebrews, would face opposition from maritime powers.
Eber is also listed in the genealogies of 1Ch.1.18,19,25 and Luk.3.35, confirming his importance in the ancestral line of the Israelites. His name is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which some scholars believe is derived from his name, designating his descendants as "Hebrews."
Family
Parents
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 5 verses
- Genesis 10:21
"Children were also born to Shem (the elder brother of Japheth), the father of all the children of Eber."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 10:24
"Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 10:25
"To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 11:14
"Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 11:15
"Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of more sons and daughters."
Study Genesis →
Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 24:24
"But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. He also shall come to destruction.”"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:18
"Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber."
- 1 Chronicles 1:19
"To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan."
- 1 Chronicles 1:25
"Eber, Peleg, Reu,"
Luke 1 verse
- Luke 3:35
"the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,"
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵ֫בֶר | H5677G |
| Greek | Greek | Ἐβέρ | G1443 |