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Eber
one that passes; anger
עֵ֫בֶר e.ver
Eber (Hebrew: עֵ֫בֶר, e.ver) means “one that passes; anger”, by traditional interpretation. Five men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the Patriarchal period. In 2025 it was given to 15 children in the United States. Use is falling away. Around 1,328 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Agag.
Which Eber?
Five men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Eber
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Eber
descendant of Benjamin; son of Elpaal
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Eber
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Eber
descendant of Benjamin; son of Shashak
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Eber
son of Jeshua
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 16 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 5 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- Patriarchal
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 15 | Falling |
| All-time total | 1,328 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 41 in 2007 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Genesis 10:21 |
| Last appears | Luke 3:35 |
| Cross-references | 97 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Hanan attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Shashak.
- Abdon attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Shashak.
- Penuel attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Shashak.
- Shema attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Elpaal.
- Shemed attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Elpaal.
- Shimei attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Elpaal.
- Shimrath attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Elpaal.
- Ahio attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Elpaal.
Origin & meaning
A man of the tribe of Gad living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.5.13;
son of: Abihail (H0032I);
brother of: Michael (H4317H), Meshullam (H4918I), Sheba (H7652), Jorai (H3140), Jacan (H3275) and Zia (H2127)
§ Eber or Heber = "the region beyond"
1) son of Salah, great grandson of Shem, father of Peleg and Joktan
2) a Gadite chief
3) a Benjamite, son of Elpaal and descendant of Sharahaim
4) a Benjamite, son of Shashak
5) a priest in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua
Eber was a Gadite chief during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah, mentioned in the genealogy of Gad.
The biblical story
Eber is mentioned briefly in 1Ch.5.13 as one of the chiefs of the Gadites during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah. He is listed along with his brothers Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Heber.
The Gadites were one of the Israelite tribes that settled east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. They were known for their military prowess and often assisted the other tribes in battles against their enemies.
The mention of Eber and his brothers as chiefs suggests that they held positions of leadership and authority within the tribe of Gad during the reign of King Jotham, who ruled Judah from approximately 750 to 735 BC. Jotham was known for his righteous reign and for his building projects, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the House of the Lord (2Ch.27.3).
Apart from this brief mention in the genealogy, no further information is provided about Eber or his specific role as a chief of the Gadites. His inclusion in the list highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal leadership in ancient Israelite society.
Key verses
Eber appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
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And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven.
1 Chronicles 5:13
Show all 1 reference
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 5:13