Bible Dictionary
Ner
Ner was the father of Abner and a member of Saul’s family. He was Saul’s grandfather and Abner’s father, making Abner Saul’s uncle.
Definition
Ner was a member of Saul’s family, the father of Abner and the grandfather of Saul. He was the son of Jehiel and is associated with the name meaning “light” or “lamp.”
Biblical Usage
Ner appears in the genealogical and military records connected with Saul and Abner. The biblical relationship makes Abner Saul’s uncle and Saul and Abner first cousins.
Historical Background
Ner lived around the period associated with Saul’s rise and is dated in the supplied material to about 1140 B.C.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Light, the father of Kish (1 Chr. 8:33). 1 Sam. 14:51 should be read, “Kish, the father of Saul, and Ner, the father of Abner, were the sons of Abiel.” And hence this Kish and Ner were brothers, and Saul and Abner were first cousins (comp. 1 Chr. 9:36).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a light or lamp), son of Jehiel, according to (1 Chronicles 8:33) father of Abner, and grandfather of King Saul. (B.C. 1140.) Abner was, therefore, uncle to Saul, as is expressly stated in (1 Samuel 14:50)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ner (ner, "lamp"): Father of Abner (1Sa 14:50 f; 26:5,14, etc.); grandfather of Saul (1Ch 8:33). Other references, though adding no further information are 2Sa 2:8,12; 3:23,25; 28; 37; 1Ki 2:5,32, etc.</p>