Abimelech(3)
Abimelech in the Bible — son of Jerubbesheth (2SA 11:21). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “father of the king”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Abimelech is a male figure identified in Scripture as the son of Jerubbesheth, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11:21. No tribal affiliation or additional notes are provided, making his primary biblical identification through his paternal lineage. This brief record situates him within the narrative context of King David's reign.
Names & Titles
The name Abimelech means '[my] father is king' or '[my] father is Molech,' reflecting common ancient Near Eastern naming conventions. This proper name is not indicated as given directly by God, but it carries significant cultural and possibly religious implications as noted in 2 Samuel 11:21.
Family
Scripture explicitly records that Abimelech is the son of Jerubbesheth, as stated in 2 Samuel 11:21. Beyond this paternal relationship, no other family connections are documented in the biblical text.
Significance
Abimelech's significance in the biblical narrative stems from his identification as the son of Jerubbesheth, linking him to the events surrounding King David's reign. Although the text provides limited detail, his mention situates him within the broader historical and theological framework of God's providence over Israel's monarchy. This connection invites reflection on God's sovereign purposes even in lesser-known biblical figures.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
- Transliteration
- aviymelekh
- Meaning
- [my] father is king or [my] father is Molech
- Greek
- Αβιμελεχ
- Reference
- 2SA 11:21
- Strong's
- H40
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abimelech in the Bible?
Abimelech is a male figure identified in Scripture as the son of Jerubbesheth, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11:21. No tribal affiliation or additional notes are provided, making his primary biblical identification through his paternal lineage. This brief record situates him within the narrative context of King David's reign.
What does the name Abimelech mean?
The name Abimelech means “father of the king” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.