International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Haven

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Haven


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hā´v'n ((1) חוף, ḥōph (, the Revised Version margin “beach”; , the Revised Version margin “shore,” the King James Version “seashore,” the King James Version margin “port”); elsewhere “sea-shore” (; ; ) or “sea coast” (); from root חפף, ḥāphaph, “to wash” or “to lave”; compare Arabic ḥaffa, “to rub”; and ḥaffat, “border”; Ḥufûf, in Eastern Arabia; (2) מחוז, māḥōz (); (3) λιμήν, limḗn ( bis); also Fair Havens, καλοὶ λιμένες, kaloı́ liménes ()): While the Greek limēn is “harbor,” the Hebrew ḥoph is primarily “shore.” There is no harbor worthy of the name on the shore of Palestine South of Ḥaifa. Indeed there is no good natural harbor on the whole coast of Syria and Palestine. The promontories of Carmel, Beirût and Tripolis afford shelter from the prevalent southwest wind, but offer no refuge from the fury of a northern gale. On rocky shores there are inlets which will protect sail boats at most times, but the ships of the ancients were beached in rough weather, and small craft are so treated at the present time. See illustration under BITHYNIA, p. 483.