Lexical Summary Ribay: Ribai Original Word: רִיבַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ribai From riyb; contentious; Ribai, an Israelite -- Ribai. see HEBREW riyb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rib Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Ribai (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רִיבַי proper name, masculine in Benjamin, 2 Samuel 23:29 (Πειβα, Εριβα) = 1 Chronicles 11:81 (Πεβιε, Πηβαι, Πιβατ, etc.); compare ידִיבי below. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Ribai is a Benjamite of Gibeah whose son, Ittai (also spelled Ithai), is numbered among David’s “mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:31). Scripture records no personal exploits of Ribai, yet his inclusion establishes lineage, tribal representation, and covenant loyalty within the united monarchy. Biblical Occurrences • 2 Samuel 23:29 — “Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites.” The two parallel lists confirm the historicity of both father and son and highlight the continuity between Samuel–Kings and Chronicles. Historical Context Gibeah, once marred by the atrocity of Judges 19–21 and later the seat of King Saul (1 Samuel 10:26; 15:34), produces in Ribai a family whose allegiance shifts decisively to David. This transition illustrates the reconciliation of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah under the Lord’s chosen king. Family Influence and Generational Faithfulness Ancient Hebrew culture measured a man’s honor largely through his offspring (Proverbs 17:6). By naming Ribai, Scripture credits him with nurturing a warrior distinguished for bravery and loyalty. The moral and spiritual formation within Ribai’s household prepared Ittai to stand among “the Thirty,” men renowned for self-sacrificial devotion (2 Samuel 23:13–17). Theological Themes • Unity of the tribes: A Benjamite serving Judah’s king pictures the healing of inter-tribal rifts and foreshadows the ultimate gathering of God’s people (Ezekiel 37:22). Practical Lessons for Believers 1. Parental stewardship matters: Ribai’s legacy lies in the courageous faith of his son; invest intentionally in the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Key Related Passages Judges 19–21; 1 Samuel 10:26; 1 Samuel 22:1–2; 1 Chronicles 12:1–2; Proverbs 22:6. Forms and Transliterations רִיבַ֔י רִיבַ֗י ריבי rî·ḇay rîḇay riVaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:29 HEB: אִתַּי֙ בֶּן־ רִיבַ֔י מִגִּבְעַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י NAS: the son of Ribai of Gibeah KJV: the son of Ribai out of Gibeah INT: Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the sons 1 Chronicles 11:31 2 Occurrences |
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