Bible Dictionary
Eber
Eber was a descendant of Shem, the father of Peleg and Joktan, and an ancestor of Abraham’s people. The name is also borne by several Gadites, Benjamites, and a priestly family head in the Old Testament.
Definition
Eber was a descendant of Shem, the father of Peleg and Joktan, and an ancestor in the line leading to Abraham. The name is also borne by a Gadite, two Benjamites, and the head of a priestly family.
Biblical Usage
Eber appears in genealogical records as a forefather of the people associated with Abraham. The name also occurs in lists of Gadites, Benjamites, and priests.
Historical Background
The name means “the other side” or “across.” The sources connect the form “Hebrew” with people who came from the other side of the Euphrates, from the region of Haran, into Canaan.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Beyond. (1.). The third post-duluvian patriach after Shem (Gen. 10:24; 11:14). He is regarded as the founder of the Hebrew race (10:21; Num. 24:24). In Luke 3:35 he is called Heber. (2.) One of the seven heads of the families of the Gadites (1 Chr. 5:13). (3.) The oldest of the three sons of Elpaal the Benjamite (8:12). (4.) One of the heads of the familes of Benjamites in Jerusalem (22). (5.) The head of the priestly family of Amok in the time of Zerubbabel (Neh. 12:20).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(the region beyond).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-ber (`ebher; Eber, in Gen; Obed, in Ch):</p><p>(1) Occurs in the genealogies (Ge 10:21,25; 11:14 ff) as the great-grandson of Shem and father of Peleg and Joktan. The word means "the other side," "across," and the form "Hebrew," which is derived from it, is intended to denote the people or tribe who came "from the other, side of the river" (i.e. the Euphrates), from Haran (Ge 11:31), whence Abraham and his dependents migrated to Canaan.</p><p>(2) A Gadite (1Ch 5:13).</p><p>(3) & (4) Two Benjamites (1Ch 8:12,22).</p><p>(5) The head of a priestly family (Ne 12:20).</p><p>A. C. Grant</p>