Lexical Summary Abitub: Abitub Original Word: אֲבִיטוּב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abitub From 'ab and tuwb; father of goodness (i.e. Good); Abitub, an Israelite -- Abitub. see HEBREW 'ab see HEBREW tuwb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ab and tub Definition "my father is goodness," a Benjamite NASB Translation Abitub (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבִיטוּב proper name, masculine (my father is goodness) son of Shaharaim, a Benjamite 1 Chronicles 8:11. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting and Family Context Abitub appears once in the Old Testament, within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:11). He is listed as one of two sons born to Shaharaim through his wife Hushim, the other son being Elpaal. The genealogy situates Abitub several generations after Benjamin and prior to the monarchy, underscoring the careful preservation of tribal lines following Israel’s settlement in the land. His placement amid the descendants of Benjamin reflects the inspired chronicler’s concern to establish legitimate lineage for those returning from exile (compare 1 Chronicles 9:1). Tribal Identity and Covenant Inheritance Benjamin’s tribe held a strategic location between Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south, encompassing Jerusalem’s northern approaches. Though Abitub’s personal exploits are not recorded, his very naming in Scripture identifies him with the covenant blessings granted to Benjamin (Deuteronomy 33:12) and affirms the integrity of that tribe’s inheritance. Every individual named in the genealogies—however obscure—serves as a witness that the promises to the patriarchs were preserved intact through the centuries (Romans 11:29). Role in the Chronicler’s Theology 1 Chronicles emphasizes continuity from pre-exilic Israel to the restored community. By inserting Abitub into the narrative, the Chronicler demonstrates that even those born during periods of displacement (Shaharaim’s offspring in Moab, 1 Chronicles 8:8) remained heirs of Israel’s story. Abitub’s brief mention thus underlines two theological themes: 1. God’s faithfulness to maintain the line of promise despite geographic or spiritual wandering. Foreshadowing of Redemption through Genealogy Genealogies in Scripture often look forward to the coming Messiah by tracking covenant lineage (Matthew 1:1-17). While Abitub himself is not in the messianic line, his inclusion models the same meticulous record-keeping that ultimately validates the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In this way, Abitub stands as one small link in the larger chain demonstrating that “not one word has failed of all His good promise” (Joshua 23:14). Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Hidden Faithfulness: Abitub is never associated with exploits, yet his name is preserved for eternity. Ministry that seems unnoticed by the world is still recorded before God (Hebrews 6:10). Summary Abitub, though mentioned only once, contributes to the inspired tapestry that confirms God’s fidelity to His people. His place in Benjamin’s lineage, secured amid exile and return, reminds readers that every believer—celebrated or obscure—has a role in the unfolding redemptive plan of God. Forms and Transliterations אֲבִיט֖וּב אביטוב ’ă·ḇî·ṭūḇ ’ăḇîṭūḇ aviTuvLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:11 HEB: הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־ אֲבִיט֖וּב וְאֶת־ אֶלְפָּֽעַל׃ NAS: he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal. KJV: he begat Abitub, and Elpaal. INT: Hushim became of Abitub and Elpaal 1 Occurrence |
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