כָּלִבּוֹ
𐤊𐤋𐤁𐤅
Kalibo
H3614 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Patronymic designation meaning 'descendant of Caleb' or 'of the lineage/clan of Caleb.' Refers to a person belonging to the family, tribe, or household arising from Caleb, typically indicating a specific Israelite lineage or tribal association rather than a merely individual name. The term most often appears in genealogical or tribal contexts to designate familial descent or clan connection within the wider tribe of Judah.
Semantic Range
descendant of Caleb, member of the Calebite clan, person of the house or family of Caleb, Calebite
Root / Etymology
From the root כלב (k-l-b), which forms the personal name כָּלֵב (Caleb), plus a possessive suffix or construct form (as in כָּלִבּוֹ). The root כלב is most commonly associated with the noun 'dog' but in personal names such as Caleb it has been interpreted as a proper noun with potentially different or additional connotations (devotion, boldness, or simply as a theophoric element). The form כָּלִבּוֹ appears to be a scribal error or secondary formation for כָּלֵבִי (Calebite), based on the typical pattern for patronymics in Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
כָּלִבּוֹ (Kâlibbôw) occurs sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, notably in 1 Samuel 25:3, where it identifies Nabal as 'of the house of Caleb.' Most modern scholars agree the form is likely a textual or scribal variation for כָּלֵבִי (Calebite), in line with usual Hebrew patronymic constructions (-i/I ending). The function is to indicate clan or household membership, as is common in genealogical accounts of the monarchic period. The English term 'Calebite' is often used in translation, but this can obscure the nuance of tribal or familial affiliation versus personal name. The word marks a member of the Caleb clan within Judah, reflecting the biblical pattern of organizing tribal society around named ancestors. In post-exilic texts, usage of such patronymics declined as the focus shifted to broader tribal or regional identity. Unlike other terms of Israelite identity, this is a strictly lineage-based designation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably by erroneous transcription for כָּלֵבִי; patronymically from כָּלֵב; a Calebite or descendant of Caleb; of the house of Caleb.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כלב (k-l-b) — dog, hound; boldness (in personal name usage)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3611 | כֶּלֶב | the dogs |
| H3612 | כָּלֵב | Dog |
| H3619 | כְּלוּב | wicker enclosure |
| H3620 | כְּלוּב | Kelub |
| H3621 | כְּלוּבַי | Kelubai |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3614-01 |
כָלִבִּֽי | khalibi | HNgmsa |
a Calebite | Calebite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3614-01 |
1 Samuel 25:3 | כָלִבִּֽי | khalibi | HNgmsa |
a Calebite | Calebite |