אֶשְׁכֹּל
𐤀𐤔𐤊𐤋
Eshekol
H812 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun referring to (1) a personal name, generally of an Amorite individual, and (2) the name of a valley in the southern hill country associated with grape clusters. The semantic range encompasses (a) the individual Amorite ally of Abram, and (b) a toponym for a prominent location recognized for its produce—specifically, clusters of grapes—in narratives concerning the Israelite spies. As a proper name, likely carries connotations linked to its root referring to 'cluster' (of grapes).
Semantic Range
personal name (Amorite individual), place name (valley known for grape clusters), literal 'cluster' (esp. of grapes, by association)
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root אשקל, closely associated with אשכול (eskol), meaning 'cluster'—particularly a cluster of grapes. The use of the same form as a personal or place name suggests either a descriptive nickname or a toponym reflecting notable characteristics of the region (e.g., abundance of grape clusters). The root אשְׁכָּל ('to pick, to gather in a cluster') underlies the derivative noun meaning 'cluster.' In naming, the word reflects this concrete image, but as a personal or place name, its application is idiomatic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Genesis, אֶשְׁכֹּל refers to an Amorite chieftain allied with Abram (Abraham). This usage likely reflects an ethnically or geographically descriptive name, differentiating an Amorite ally from the Israelite patriarch. In Numbers and Deuteronomy, נַחַל אֶשְׁכֹּל ('valley of Eshcol') is noted as the site where Israelite spies cut down a large cluster of grapes, reflecting the region's fertility. The Hebrew Bible's use of the term links it to agricultural imagery rather than later religious or ethnic identities. English versions typically transliterate rather than translate, but sometimes introduce the term 'Eshcol' as a proper name without explanation of its conceptual background. No evidence supports a broader usage referring to 'Jewish' or 'Judean' identity, consistent with its early historical context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as אֶשְׁכּוֹל; Eshcol, the name of an Amorite, also of a valley in Palestine; Eshcol.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אשקל (ʾ-š-k-l) — to gather, cluster, bunch
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H811 | אֶשְׁכּוֹל | Cluster |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H812-01 |
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster | 6 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H812-01 |
Genesis 14:13 | אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster |
H812-01 |
Genesis 14:24 | אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster |
H812-01 |
Numbers 13:23 | אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster |
H812-01 |
Numbers 13:24 | אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster |
H812-01 |
Numbers 32:9 | אֶשְׁכּ֗וֹל | eshekol | HNp |
of Eshcol | Cluster |
H812-01 |
Deuteronomy 1:24 | אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל | eshekol | HNp |
Eshcol | Cluster |