Lexical Summary kibrah: A measure of distance, a length Original Word: כִּבְרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance little Feminine of kbar; properly, length, i.e. A measure (of uncertain dimension) -- X little. see HEBREW kbar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kabar Definition distance NASB Translation distance* (3), some (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כִּבְרָה] noun feminine apparently distance, only in the phrase כִּבְרַת (ה)ארץ a distance of land or length of way, Genesis 35:16 לָכוֺא אֶפְרָתָה ׳ה ׳וַיְהִי עוֺד כ, Genesis 48:7 לָבאֹ אֶפְרָתָה ׳א ׳בְּעוֺד כ, 2 Kings 5:19 אָ֑רֶץ ׳וַיֵּלֶךְ מֵאִתּוֺ כ. The distance meant is uncertain, but from 2 Kings 5:19 it would seem to have been a short one; see further DiGenesis 35:16 and Thes (Assyrian kibrâti is a (widely extended) territory, quarter of the world, etc., DlHWB 315; according to Hoffm.GGAbh. xxxvi (1890), 23-25 perhaps the distance that one can see). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Usage כִּבְרָה describes a measurable but unspecified span of ground during a journey—long enough to mark genuine progress, yet short enough that the destination or the previous point of reference remains in mind. In narrative, the term often signals a threshold moment: events that occur “some distance” away from a landmark become turning points in the unfolding purposes of God. Occurrences and Narrative Contexts “They set out from Bethel, and when they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.” The phrase highlights a liminal zone between Bethel (the place of renewed covenant) and Ephrath (later Bethlehem). Within that span, Rachel’s childbirth and death occur, underlining the often-compressed coexistence of promise (Benjamin’s birth) and sorrow (Rachel’s passing). The location—neither at Bethel nor yet at Ephrath—underscores the pilgrim nature of the patriarchal family. “…when I was returning from Paddan Aram, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, while we were still some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there along the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” Jacob’s recollection employs the same spatial marker to frame Rachel’s grave as a memorial placed in transit. By referencing the spot while blessing Joseph’s sons, Jacob links memory, land, and promise; the grief of the journey becomes woven into covenantal hope for the next generation. “Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, Gehazi, driven by greed, overtakes him. The limited span after departure stresses the speed with which temptation follows blessing. Naaman has scarcely left the prophet’s presence before another crisis unfolds, revealing the vigilance required of God’s servants. Geographical Implications The word occurs in situations where precise mileage is irrelevant; what matters is relational geography—movement toward or away from covenantal centers (Bethel, Ephrath, Samaria). Ancient travelers measured progress by landmarks rather than standardized units, so כִּבְרָה serves as a narrative device to orient the reader without exact numbers. Typological and Theological Reflection 1. Transitional space: Each text positions decisive events in transit. Theologically, this mirrors Israel’s broader story—life lived between Exodus and Promised Land, already called, not yet home. Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Spiritual milestones often lie just beyond familiar territory; obedience during the “in-between” keeps believers positioned for God’s purposes. Intertextual Echoes Rachel’s tomb on the way to Bethlehem becomes a prophetic signpost (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18), linking patriarchal narrative with exile and incarnation. Likewise, Gehazi’s pursuit parallels Judas’s greed following Christ’s ministry of healing—small distances, weighty consequences. Practical Application Identify the “some distance” moments—new job, relocation, ministry transition—and commit them to prayer. Remember that God is present not only at destinations but also along the road, shaping character and advancing His redemptive plan through each measured, if unspecified, span of the journey. Forms and Transliterations כִּבְרַת־ כברת־ kiḇ·raṯ- kiḇraṯ- kivratLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 35:16 HEB: וַֽיְהִי־ ע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת־ הָאָ֖רֶץ לָב֣וֹא NAS: and when there was still some distance to go KJV: and there was but a little way INT: there was still some way to go Genesis 48:7 2 Kings 5:19 3 Occurrences |
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