Hivites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hivites in the Bible?
The Hivites were an ancient ethnic group inhabiting various regions of the Levant during the Bronze Age, with territories extending from the Hermon mountains in the north to Gibeon in the south.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the presence of the Hivites clarifies the complex tribal landscape of Canaan prior to the Israelite settlement, offering insight into the diverse populations encountered in biblical narratives and suggesting a linguistic connection to sedentary agricultural communities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hivites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hivites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hivites clarify?
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
"Hivites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hivites/