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H69 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶבֶן
Eben
Noun, feminine
Stone, rock

Definition

The Hebrew word eben refers to a stone, rock, or mineral weight. It is used for everything from precious gemstones to building stones to the stone tablets of the Law to the stones used in battle.

Usage & Theological Significance

Eben carries enormous theological weight in Scripture. Stones mark covenantal monuments (Genesis 28:18, Joshua 4:9), serve as altars of worship, become weapons, and function as weights in commerce. God Himself is called the Rock — the Tsur — of Israel, and eben connects to that imagery. Most significantly, the rejected cornerstone of Psalm 118 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:6–7), the Stone the builders rejected who became the chief cornerstone.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 28:18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.
Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Isaiah 28:16 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.
Daniel 2:34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them.
Zechariah 4:7 What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of God bless it!

Related Words

External Resources

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