2809. Cheshbon
Lexical Summary
Cheshbon: Heshbon

Original Word: חֶשְׁבּוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Cheshbown
Pronunciation: kesh-BOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (khesh-bone')
KJV: Heshbon
NASB: Heshbon
Word Origin: [the same as H2808 (חֶשׁבּוֹן - explanation)]

1. Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Heshbon

The same as cheshbown; Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan -- Heshbon.

see HEBREW cheshbown

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from chashab
Definition
a place E. of the Jordan
NASB Translation
Heshbon (38).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. חֶשְׁבּוֺן proper name, of a location of the city of Sihon king of the Amorites Numbers 21:26,27,28,30,34; Numbers 32:3 (all E); Deuteronomy 1:4; Deuteronomy 2:24,26,30; Deuteronomy 3:2,6; Deuteronomy 4:46; Deuteronomy 29:6; Joshua 9:10; Joshua 12:2,5; Joshua 13:10,21,27 (all D) Judges 11:19; Jeremiah 48:45; Nehemiah 9:22; captured by Israel who dwelt in it Numbers 21:25 (E) Judges 11:26; rebuilt by Reuben Numbers 32:37 (E), given to Reuben at the division of the land Joshua 13:17 (P); on the border of Gad, Joshua 13:26 (P), it subsequently fell to Gad and was assigned to Levites out of that tribe Joshua 21:39 (P) 1 Chronicles 6:66; the Moabites gained possession of it Isaiah 15:4; Isaiah 16:8,9 and subsequently the Ammonites Jeremiah 48:2,34,45; Jeremiah 49:3; it was celebrated for its fish ponds Cant 7:5. — Modern „usbân, SeetzenReisen i. 407 RobBR i. 551 BDPal 191 SurveyEP 8.

Topical Lexicon
Geographical Setting

Heshbon lay about twenty miles east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea on an elevated plateau that forms part of the Trans-Jordanian highlands. Its strategic height overlooks the fertile plain of the Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) to the south and the Medeba plateau to the north. The site is generally identified with Tell Ḥesbân, whose abundant springs sustain both agriculture and herds—an advantage repeatedly noted in biblical poetry and prophecy.

Historical Background in the Pentateuch

Before Israel’s arrival the city served as the royal seat of Sihon the Amorite. Moses recounts how Sihon refused Israel peaceful passage and was consequently defeated (Numbers 21:21-26; Deuteronomy 2:24-35). “So Israel took all these cities…in Heshbon and all its villages” (Numbers 21:25). The conquest of Heshbon became a paradigm of divine victory over hostile powers (Deuteronomy 1:4; 3:2-6; 4:46).

Distribution among the Tribes

Although situated in territory first assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:15-17), the location eventually fell under Gadite and then Levitical influence (Joshua 13:26; 21:39). Its shifting tribal border highlights the fluid political landscape east of the Jordan and the cooperative stewardship required among the tribes.

In the Period of the Judges

Jephthah’s diplomatic review cites the taking of Heshbon as evidence of Israel’s legitimate claim to the land (Judges 11:19-26). For three centuries the Amorite stronghold had remained in Israelite hands, underscoring the enduring nature of God’s earlier grant.

Royal Memory in the Monarchy

The later historical reflection of Nehemiah—“You gave them kingdoms and peoples, and allotted them every corner. So they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon” (Nehemiah 9:22)—demonstrates how the post-exilic community drew courage from Heshbon’s conquest when rebuilding their own shattered homeland.

Prophetic Voice Concerning Heshbon

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and their near contemporary Amos (indirectly) employ Heshbon as a symbol of Moabite strength destined for judgment:

Isaiah 15:4: “Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz.”
Isaiah 16:8-9 portrays luxuriant vines cascading down Heshbon’s terraces, soon to be trampled by invading armies.
Jeremiah 48:2, 34, 45 announces that “a fire has gone out from Heshbon” to consume Moab, recalling the earlier Amorite taunt quoted in Numbers 21:28-30.
Jeremiah 49:3 extends the lament to Ammon, where “Heshbon shall wail.”

Through these oracles the prophets affirm that no fortress, however renowned, can shield a nation that opposes the purposes of the LORD.

Poetic Imagery and Wisdom Literature

Song of Solomon 7:4 celebrates the beauty of the bride’s eyes by likening them to “pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim.” The clear spring-fed reservoirs that served the city become a metaphor for depth, purity, and tranquility within covenant love.

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign Conquest: Heshbon’s capture shows that divine promise, not human pedigree, determines territorial inheritance.
2. Covenant Memory: Repeated references anchor Israel’s identity in God’s past acts, sustaining hope amid present threats.
3. Judgment and Mercy: Prophecies against Moab and Ammon warn that privilege carries responsibility; yet even those judged are invited to refuge (cf. Isaiah 16:3-5).
4. Spiritual Geography: The movement from Amorite to Israelite rule typologically foreshadows the believer’s passage from bondage to inheritance in Christ.

Ministry and Homiletical Applications

• The refusal of Sihon (Numbers 21) cautions against hard-heartedness toward God’s people.
• Jephthah’s appeal (Judges 11) validates the use of Scripture in ethical and legal reasoning.
• Isaiah’s weeping over Moab invites compassionate intercession even for rivals.
• Song of Solomon’s imagery encourages Christian marriage to mirror the refreshing, life-giving qualities associated with Heshbon’s waters.

Archaeological and Geographical Insights

Excavations at Tell Ḥesbân reveal multiple occupation layers from the Iron Age through the Roman period. Water cisterns, fortification walls, and a well-engineered roadway confirm the biblical picture of a fortified, prosperous urban center guarding the Plateau Route. Pottery and epigraphic finds illustrate trade connections with Moab, Ammon, and beyond.

Typological Significance

As Heshbon once belonged to hostile powers yet was redeemed for Israelite use, so the believer’s life—formerly held by sin—can become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. The city’s springs prefigure the “living water” Christ offers (John 4:14), while its watch-towers anticipate the Church’s call to vigilant proclamation.

Summary

Heshbon stands at the crossroads of Israel’s historical memory, prophetic warning, poetic celebration, and theological reflection. From the march of Exodus to the lament of Jeremiah, its forty-odd mentions testify that the God who triumphs over Amorite kings also holds the destinies of nations and individuals alike.

Forms and Transliterations
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ בחשבון בחשבון׃ וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּמֵחֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן וחשבון ומחשבון חֶ֠שְׁבּוֹן חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ חשבון חשבון׃ מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן מֵחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן מחשבון bə·ḥeš·bō·wn becheshBon bəḥešbōwn cheshBon ḥeš·bō·wn ḥešbōwn mê·ḥeš·bō·wn mecheshBon mêḥešbōwn ū·mê·ḥeš·bō·wn umecheshBon ūmêḥešbōwn vecheshBon wə·ḥeš·bō·wn wəḥešbōwn
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Numbers 21:25
HEB: עָרֵ֣י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּבְכָל־ בְּנֹתֶֽיהָ׃
NAS: of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all
KJV: of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages
INT: the cities of the Amorites Heshbon all her villages

Numbers 21:26
HEB: כִּ֣י חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן עִ֗יר סִיחֹ֛ן
NAS: For Heshbon was the city of Sihon,
KJV: For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon
INT: For Heshbon was the city of Sihon

Numbers 21:27
HEB: הַמֹּשְׁלִ֖ים בֹּ֣אוּ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן תִּבָּנֶ֥ה וְתִכּוֹנֵ֖ן
NAS: Come to Heshbon! Let it be built!
KJV: Come into Heshbon, let the city
INT: use Come to Heshbon it be built be established

Numbers 21:28
HEB: אֵשׁ֙ יָֽצְאָ֣ה מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן לֶהָבָ֖ה מִקִּרְיַ֣ת
NAS: went forth from Heshbon, A flame
KJV: gone out of Heshbon, a flame
INT: A fire went Heshbon A flame the town

Numbers 21:30
HEB: וַנִּירָ֛ם אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד־ דִּיב֑וֹן
NAS: But we have cast them down, Heshbon is ruined
KJV: We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished
INT: have cast is ruined Heshbon far Dibon

Numbers 21:34
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃
NAS: who lived at Heshbon.
KJV: which dwelt at Heshbon.
INT: who lived Heshbon

Numbers 32:3
HEB: וְיַעְזֵ֣ר וְנִמְרָ֔ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה וּשְׂבָ֥ם
NAS: Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh,
KJV: and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh,
INT: Jazer Nimrah Heshbon Elealeh Sebam

Numbers 32:37
HEB: בָּנ֔וּ אֶת־ חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶת־ אֶלְעָלֵ֑א
NAS: built Heshbon and Elealeh
KJV: built Heshbon, and Elealeh,
INT: of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim

Deuteronomy 1:4
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן וְאֵ֗ת ע֚וֹג
NAS: who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king
KJV: which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og
INT: who lived Heshbon and Og the king

Deuteronomy 2:24
HEB: סִיחֹ֨ן מֶֽלֶךְ־ חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן הָֽאֱמֹרִ֛י וְאֶת־
NAS: king of Heshbon, and his land
KJV: king of Heshbon, and his land:
INT: Sihon king of Heshbon the Amorite and his land

Deuteronomy 2:26
HEB: סִיח֖וֹן מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם
NAS: king of Heshbon with words
KJV: king of Heshbon with words
INT: Sihon king of Heshbon words of peace

Deuteronomy 2:30
HEB: סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן הַעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ בּ֑וֹ
NAS: king of Heshbon was not willing
KJV: king of Heshbon would
INT: Sihon king of Heshbon to pass for

Deuteronomy 3:2
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃
NAS: who lived at Heshbon.'
KJV: which dwelt at Heshbon.
INT: who lived Heshbon

Deuteronomy 3:6
HEB: לְסִיחֹ֖ן מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן הַחֲרֵם֙ כָּל־
NAS: king of Heshbon, utterly destroying
KJV: king of Heshbon, utterly destroying
INT: to Sihon king of Heshbon destroyed of every

Deuteronomy 4:46
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכָּ֤ה
NAS: who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses
KJV: who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses
INT: who lived Heshbon whom defeated

Deuteronomy 29:7
HEB: סִיחֹ֣ן מֶֽלֶךְ־ חֶ֠שְׁבּוֹן וְע֨וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־
NAS: the king of Heshbon and Og
KJV: the king of Heshbon, and Og
INT: Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king

Joshua 9:10
HEB: לְסִיחוֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן וּלְע֥וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־
NAS: king of Heshbon and to Og
KJV: king of Heshbon, and to Og
INT: to Sihon king of Heshbon Og king

Joshua 12:2
HEB: הָאֱמֹרִ֔י הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן מֹשֵׁ֡ל מֵעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר
NAS: who lived in Heshbon, [and] ruled
KJV: who dwelt in Heshbon, [and] ruled
INT: of the Amorites lived Heshbon ruled Aroer

Joshua 12:5
HEB: סִיח֥וֹן מֶֽלֶךְ־ חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃
NAS: of Sihon king of Heshbon.
KJV: of Sihon king of Heshbon.
INT: of Sihon king of Heshbon

Joshua 13:10
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר מָלַ֖ךְ בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן עַד־ גְּב֖וּל
NAS: reigned in Heshbon, as far
KJV: which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border
INT: who reigned Heshbon far as the border

Joshua 13:17
HEB: חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן וְכָל־ עָרֶ֖יהָ
NAS: Heshbon, and all its cities
KJV: Heshbon, and all her cities
INT: Heshbon and all cities

Joshua 13:21
HEB: אֲשֶׁ֥ר מָלַ֖ךְ בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן אֲשֶׁר֩ הִכָּ֨ה
NAS: who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses
KJV: which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses
INT: who reigned Heshbon whom struck

Joshua 13:26
HEB: וּמֵחֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן עַד־ רָמַ֥ת
NAS: and from Heshbon as far
KJV: And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh,
INT: Heshbon far Ramath-mizpeh

Joshua 13:27
HEB: סִיחוֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן וּגְבֻ֑ל
NAS: king of Heshbon, with the Jordan
KJV: king of Heshbon, Jordan
INT: of Sihon king of Heshbon the Jordan A border

Joshua 21:39
HEB: אֶת־ חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ וְאֶת־ מִגְרָשֶׁ֔הָ
NAS: Heshbon with its pasture lands,
KJV: Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer
INT: Heshbon pasture Jazer

38 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2809
38 Occurrences


bə·ḥeš·bō·wn — 11 Occ.
ḥeš·bō·wn — 23 Occ.
mê·ḥeš·bō·wn — 2 Occ.
ū·mê·ḥeš·bō·wn — 1 Occ.
wə·ḥeš·bō·wn — 1 Occ.

2808
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