עֵיבָל
𐤏𐤉𐤁𐤋
Eyval
H5858 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Ebal: the name of a mountain in the central hill country of Canaan, located opposite Mount Gerizim near Shechem. The term primarily functions as a toponym, denoting the specific mountain known for its significance in covenantal ceremonies (notably, the pronouncement of curses) as described in Deuteronomy and Joshua. In post-biblical tradition and later sources, 'Ebal' continues to be identified as a notable geographic landmark. The semantic range is limited, as the word is consistently used as a place name in biblical texts.
Semantic Range
proper name for a mountain, topographic reference ('bald' or 'bare' mountain, speculative), toponym only in Biblical Hebrew
Root / Etymology
The word עֵיבָל (ʻÊybâl) appears to be derived from a root possibly meaning 'to be bald' or 'bare,' relating to the mountain's topography or appearance. However, the root is not attested elsewhere in Hebrew, making the etymology uncertain. The form is consistent with other toponyms, but no direct connection can be established with a known verb.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, עֵיבָל always refers to a specific mountain beside Shechem, prominent in Deuteronomy (esp. Deut 11:29; 27:4, 13), where half the Israelite tribes gathered for the pronouncement of covenantal curses while the others stood on Mount Gerizim for blessings. There is no evidence in the biblical period that the mountain was associated with exclusive sacral or ethnic identity, though the site took on special ritual significance in the context of covenant ratification. The name 'Ebal' is not used for individuals, tribes, or cities, and its appearance outside the Hebrew Bible is rare. The translation 'Ebal' is typically retained in modern English versions, reflecting its status as a place name. The reference to 'baldness' in the Strong's gloss points to a possible descriptive origin (i.e., 'the bald/barren mountain'), but this is speculative. In later Jewish, Christian, and Samaritan traditions, Mount Ebal maintained a liturgical and symbolic role, but these developments postdate the earliest biblical references.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be bald; bare; Ebal, a mountain of Palestine; Ebal.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
עבל (ʿ-b-l) — to be bald, to be bare (uncertain)
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5858-01 |
עֵיבָֽל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval | 6 |
H5858-02 |
וְ/עֵיבָ֑ל | veeyval | HC/Np |
and Ebal | and Ebal | and Eyval | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5858-02 |
Genesis 36:23 | וְ/עֵיבָ֑ל | veeyval | HC/Np |
and Ebal | and Ebal | and Eyval |
H5858-01 |
Deuteronomy 11:29 | עֵיבָֽל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-01 |
Deuteronomy 27:4 | עֵיבָ֑ל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-01 |
Deuteronomy 27:13 | עֵיבָ֑ל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-01 |
Joshua 8:30 | עֵיבָֽל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-01 |
Joshua 8:33 | עֵיבָ֑ל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-01 |
1 Chronicles 1:22 | עֵיבָ֥ל | eyval | HNp |
Ebal | Ebal | Eyval |
H5858-02 |
1 Chronicles 1:40 | וְ/עֵיבָ֖ל | veeyval | HC/Np |
and Ebal | and Ebal | and Eyval |