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H37 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲבִיטַל
ʾĂḇîṭûḇ
Proper noun (personal name)
Abitub

Definition

A Benjaminite name meaning 'My father is good' or 'Father of goodness'

Full Definition

ʾĂḇîṭûḇ (אֲבִיטוּב) appears in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The name combines ab (father) with tûḇ (goodness, welfare), conveying the idea of a father characterized by goodness or by whom goodness flows. The name reflects the ancient Hebrew practice of embedding theological confession into personal names — declaring that one's father (or divine Father) is the source of all good.

Usage & Theological Significance

Names in Hebrew Scripture are not mere labels — they are theological declarations. Abitub ('my father is good') belongs to a class of names that confess God's character through the family metaphor. James 1:17 echoes the same truth: 'Every good and perfect gift is from above.' The Benjaminite genealogies in 1 Chronicles preserve even minor names, reflecting Israel's conviction that God's providential care extends to every tribe, every household, every person — a grace that finds its ultimate expression in the incarnation.

Key Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 8:11
By Hushim he fathered Abitub and Elpaal.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

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