Man living at the time of the Patriarchs
Eber was an ancestor of Abraham, the father of Peleg and Joktan, and the eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews.
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Also known as Heber
Eber is a significant figure in the genealogies of the Bible, mentioned in Genesis, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, and Luke. He is a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah, and an ancestor of Abraham, making him an important link in the lineage of the Israelites.
In the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), Eber is listed as a descendant of Shem, through his great-grandson Arpachshad (Gen.10.21,24). Eber is also mentioned as the father of Peleg and Joktan (Gen.10.25). The division of the earth is mentioned in connection with Peleg, which some interpret as a reference to the scattering of people after the Tower of Babel incident.
Eber's lineage is further detailed in Gen.11.14-17, which records his age at the birth of his son Peleg (34 years), the length of his life after Peleg's birth (430 years), and his total lifespan (464 years). This places Eber in the context of the postdiluvian patriarchs, who lived extraordinarily long lives.
In Num.24.24, Eber is mentioned in Balaam's prophetic oracle, where "ships from the coast of Kittim" are said to afflict Asshur and Eber. This suggests that Eber's descendants, the Hebrews, would face opposition from maritime powers.
Eber is also listed in the genealogies of 1Ch.1.18,19,25 and Luk.3.35, confirming his importance in the ancestral line of the Israelites. His name is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which some scholars believe is derived from his name, designating his descendants as "Hebrews."
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12 verses in 4 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H5677
And sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth; Shem was the forefather of all the sons of Eber.
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was
When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber.
And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg.
And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters.
Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.