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H54 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶבְיָתָר
Ebyathar
Proper noun, masculine
Abiathar

Definition

Ebyathar means "my father is great" or "father of abundance." It is the name of the High Priest who served during the reign of David, the son of Ahimelech of Nob.

Usage & Theological Significance

Abiathar was one of David's most loyal companions, escaping the massacre at Nob after Saul killed the priestly community (1 Samuel 22). He served faithfully throughout David's reign. However, he sided with Adonijah in the succession dispute, leading Solomon to remove him from the priesthood — fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Eli (1 Kings 2:27). The name reminds us that human loyalty must be ultimately oriented toward God's purposes.

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 22:20 But one son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.
1 Samuel 23:9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, 'Bring the ephod.'
2 Samuel 15:35 Won't Abiathar and Zadok the priests be there with you? Report to them anything you hear in the king's palace.
1 Kings 2:26 To Abiathar the priest the king said, 'Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now.'
Mark 2:26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread.

Related Words

External Resources

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