Lexical Summary abel: Mourning, lamentation Original Word: אָבֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance plain From an unused root (meaning to be grassy); a meadow -- plain. Compare also the proper names beginning with Abel-. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition "meadow," part of a place name, see NH0064. Brown-Driver-Briggs II. אָבֵל noun feminine 1. meadow (?) 1 Samuel 6:18 ᵑ0 but read אֶבֶן compare 1 Samuel 6:14; 1 Samuel 6:15 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 We Dr. 2. proper name, of a location city in Northern Israel 2 Samuel 20:18, near Beth Maacah 2 Samuel 20:14 = אָבֵל בֵּית מַעֲכָה 2 Samuel 20:15 (so also 2 Samuel 20:14 Ew Th We Klo Dr), 1 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:29; = מַיִם ׳א2Chronicles 16:4 (= Abil el †amµ, wheat-meadow northwest of Dan & south of Mutulleh RobBR III, 372). 3 אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים proper name, of a location (= acacia-meadow) in lowlands of Moab Numbers 33:49; = שִׁטִּים Numbers 25:1; Micah 6:5 (= Tel Kefrein (?) Tristr & MerrillPESoc. 4th Statement, 89). 4 אָבֵל כְּרָמִים proper name, of a location (= vineyard-meadow) in Ammon Judges 11:33 (see Euseb. Ἀβελαμπελων). 5 אָבֵל מְחוֺלָה proper name, of a location (= dance-meadow) Judges 7:22; 1 Kings 4:12; Elisha's birthplace 1 Kings 19:16 (see Euseb. Ἀβελμαελαι). 6 אָבֵל מִצְרַיִם proper name, of a location (= meadow of Egypt, i.e. fertile as Egypt ?) east of Jordan Genesis 50:11 (where interpreted as if ׳אֵבֶל מ, so ᵐ5 ᵑ9; see Di). Topical Lexicon Overview אָבֵל (Abel) appears once in the Old Testament, embedded in the compound toponym “Abel-keramim” during Jephthah’s campaign against Ammon (Judges 11:33). Though the reference is brief, the site stands as the terminus of a decisive victory that affirmed Israel’s covenant standing and the Lord’s faithfulness to deliver His people. Etymology and Meaning The root idea is that of a meadow, pasture, or open grassy field—imagery that evokes fertility, refreshment, and open space. When coupled with “keramim” (“vineyards”), the full phrase pictures a richly cultivated plain: “Meadow of the Vineyards.” Geographic Setting Abel-keramim lay in Transjordan, within Ammonite territory east of the Jordan River. The route of Jephthah’s advance—“from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith… and as far as Abel-keramim” (Judges 11:33)—suggests a north-easterly sweep through the Wadi Mujib region toward the upper Jabbok basin. The location may border the modern plains around Khirbet es-Suweimeh or Tell el-Umeiri, though no identification is certain. Its listing after twenty towns implies a strategic or symbolic endpoint, marking the full extent of Ammon’s routed defenses. Historical Context Jephthah’s tenure as judge (Judges 11–12) occurred in the early Iron Age (ca. 1100 BC). Ammonite incursions had oppressed Gilead for eighteen years (Judges 10:8). Jephthah’s negotiation, theological argument from Israel’s conquest history, and Spirit-empowered assault culminated in the battle line that reached Abel-keramim. The mention of this outlying locality underscores how thoroughly Ammon was pushed back—well into its own agricultural heartland. Narrative Significance 1. Proof of Complete Victory: Ending the conquest at a lush vineyard-plain rather than a fortified city presents a picture of enemy land laid open and undefended. Theological Reflections • God’s victories reach beyond borders. Abel-keramim, an Ammonite plain, becomes a testimony to Yahweh’s sovereignty over every territory. Practical Applications for Ministry • Perseverance in conflict: Like Israel pressing on to Abel-keramim, believers are urged to pursue complete obedience rather than partial victories (Philippians 3:12–14). Archaeological and Cultural Insights While Abel-keramim remains unexcavated, Iron Age agricultural installations—winepresses, terraced vineyards, and storage jars—are common in central Transjordan, corroborating the plausibility of a vineyard plain. Contemporary Ammonite toponyms often preserve ancient roots, so future surveys may yet locate a site whose name echoes “Abel” or “keramim.” Related Place Names Other toponyms beginning with “Abel” display the same meadow motif: These parallels show a naming convention that links fertile landscapes with local identity, rendering Abel-keramim part of a broader pattern of pastoral place names. Summary Though mentioned only once, אָבֵל highlights the breadth of God’s deliverance, stretching victory all the way to a fertile meadow deep in enemy land. Its solitary appearance amplifies the completeness of Jephthah’s triumph and continues to inspire confidence that the Lord finishes what He begins. Forms and Transliterations אָבֵ֣ל אבל ’ā·ḇêl ’āḇêl aVelLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 11:33 HEB: עִ֗יר וְעַד֙ אָבֵ֣ל כְּרָמִ֔ים מַכָּ֖ה KJV: cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, INT: cities far the plain vines slaughter |
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