Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Ian Charles Hutchesson <MC2499 AT mclink.it>]

> > What is the origin and meaning of the term "hebrew?"
> 
> It is open to debate.  Some scholars attribute it to the "Hapiru," 
> nomadic Semites of the early Bronze Age mentioned in
> Egyptian chronicles. 

This "scholarly" suggestion is probably erroneous. The Akkadian term 
'Apiru/Habiru with its long /i/ makes a poor candidate for the origin of the 
term "Hebrew".

As the Akkadian term is found throughout the Akkadian writing world of the 
era (at least from Amarna times) and apparently referring to any group of 
socially marginalized people, refugees, outlaws, etc. The scholar would have 
us believe that this vaguely similar looking term is the source of "Hebrew".

It's about time people stopped speculating about things for which there is 
probably no chance of confirming.

I therefore agree with the first part of Jack's statement below:

> Since there are som "Hapiru" groups of the former that don't 
> appear to fit the "mold," I am more comfortable with the latter
> explanation [that Hebrew derives from Eber].

yet find the second part the apparent acceptance of a folk etymology which 
again has no way of being confirmed.


Ian