The word Ebenezer (אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר, 'Eben ha-Ezer) literally means "stone of help" in Hebrew.
In the Bible, it refers to a specific location where the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:1-11. However, its more significant meaning comes from a later event described in 1 Samuel 7:12. After Samuel led the Israelites in repentance and prayer, they defeated the Philistines at the same location. To commemorate God's help and victory, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
Therefore, the meaning of Ebenezer in the Bible encompasses both a place of defeat and, more importantly, a symbol of God's help and deliverance. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision in times of need.