Hivite
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
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.
What 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
- Why did the biblical author mention Hivite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hivite clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.