hivite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic/Religious/Historical
Quick answer
What does “hivite” mean?
A member of an ancient Canaanite tribe mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an ancient Canaanite tribe mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
A specific, named group within the diverse Canaanite peoples inhabiting the Land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. In a broader theological or historical context, it can refer to any member of this ethnic group as portrayed in biblical narratives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: strictly biblical/historical.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hivite” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]the + Hivite + NounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hivite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hivite settlements were scattered.
- She was from a Hivite background.
American English
- The Hivite population was assimilated.
- He studied Hivite culture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biblical scholarship, archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern history texts. Example: 'The treaty between Jacob and the Hivite clan of Shechem is a central narrative.'
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used as a specific ethnonym in detailed historical classifications of Canaanite subgroups.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hivite”
- Misspelling as 'Hivvite' or 'Hive-ite'.
- Using it to refer to any generic ancient person without the specific biblical context.
- Incorrect pronunciation as /ˈhɪv.aɪt/ (like 'hive').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Hivites are an ancient people group mentioned in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. They are considered one of the many Canaanite tribes assimilated or displaced in antiquity.
It is pronounced /ˈhaɪvaɪt/ (HIGH-vite), with a long 'i' in the first syllable, rhyming with 'vite' in 'invite'.
Yes, in historical writing. For example: 'Hivite culture,' 'Hivite territory.' It functions as a proper adjective derived from the noun.
They are completely different peoples. The Hittites were an Anatolian empire (modern-day Turkey). The Hivites were a smaller Canaanite tribe in the Levant (modern-day Israel/Palestine/Syria/Lebanon).
A member of an ancient Canaanite tribe mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
Hivite is usually academic/religious/historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIGH-five-ite' – a tribe you might 'high-five' in a historical treaty (like Jacob did).
Conceptual Metaphor
A Hivite is a BRICK IN THE WALL OF CANAANITE DIVERSITY, representing one of many distinct groups forming the pre-Israelite population.
Practice
Quiz
In what primary context is the word 'Hivite' used?