Abimelech(2)
Abimelech in the Bible — son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) by a concubine in Shechem (JDG 8:31) who killed his brothers. Abimelech belonged to the tribe of Manasseh. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “father of the king”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Manasseh
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Abimelech was a male member of the tribe of Manasseh, known uniquely as the son of Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) by a concubine in Shechem. His life is marked by violent ambition, as he killed his seventy brothers to secure power. His death came when a woman dropped a millstone on him, mortally wounding him, after which his armor bearer killed him to preserve his honor.
Names & Titles
The name Abimelech means '[my] father is king' or '[my] father is Molech,' reflecting a title of authority or connection to a deity. This proper name was not given by God but is recorded in Judges 8:31.
Family
Abimelech was explicitly identified as the son of Gideon. Additionally, Zebul is inferred to have been a chief under Abimelech's rule, indicating a leadership structure during his time.
Significance
Abimelech's significance in Scripture lies in his ruthless quest for power, demonstrating the dangers of self-exaltation apart from God's will. His fratricide and violent death illustrate the consequences of sin and rebellion within Israel's history. His story serves as a sober warning about the destructive outcomes of ungodly ambition.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
- Transliteration
- aviymelekh
- Meaning
- [my] father is king or [my] father is Molech
- Greek
- Αβιμελεχ
- Reference
- JDG 8:31
- Strong's
- H40
Notes
Killed his 70 brothers (JDG 9:5). Mortally wounded by a millstone dropped by a woman (JDG 9:53) but killed by his armor bearer for honor (JDG 9:54).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abimelech in the Bible?
Abimelech was a male member of the tribe of Manasseh, known uniquely as the son of Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) by a concubine in Shechem. His life is marked by violent ambition, as he killed his seventy brothers to secure power. His death came when a woman dropped a millstone on him, mortally wounding him, after which his armor bearer killed him to preserve his honor.
What does the name Abimelech mean?
The name Abimelech means “father of the king” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.