Hivite
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hivite in the Bible?
The Hivites were a distinct ethnic group inhabiting central Canaan, frequently cited in biblical narratives alongside other indigenous populations such as the Canaanites, Hittites, and Jebusites.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Hivites clarifies the complex political landscape of pre-Israelite Canaan, particularly regarding the Gibeonite treaty in Joshua 9, which demonstrates how local city-states navigated survival through diplomacy rather than solely through military conquest.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hivite reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hivite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hivite clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hivite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hivite/