The word “Hebrew” comes from the Hebrew term ʿIvri (עִבְרִי), which likely means “one who crosses over” or “from the other side”—deriving from the root ʿ-B-R (עבר) meaning “to cross” or “to pass over.” This may refer to either:
- A geographical crossing—perhaps across the Euphrates or Jordan River, referencing the migration of early ancestors like Abraham.
- A cultural or ethnic distinction—signifying a people who came from beyond or were outsiders/foreigners.
Origins and Early Usage
- In the Bible, Abraham is called Avram HaʿIvri (“Abram the Hebrew”) in Genesis 14:13. This is one of the earliest mentions.
- Some scholars connect “Hebrew” to Eber (עבר), an ancestor of Abraham listed in Genesis 10–11, though this is likely a later theological association.
Summary
| Term | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ʿIvri (עִבְרִי) | One who crossed over | Root: ʿ-B-R (to cross/pass) |
| Biblical use | Refers to Abraham and his descendants | Genesis 14:13 |
| Broader use | Refers to early Israelites in Egyptian or Canaanite contexts | Often used by outsiders |