בִּכְרִי (bikh.ri)

bikh.ri

Bichri

H1075 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 8 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name bikhri translates to "youthful" or "firstborn." In the Hebrew Bible, it appears as a proper noun identifying a specific individual from the tribe of Benjamin. This man is best known for being the father of Sheba son of Bichri, a figure who plays a critical role in the political turmoil following King David’s reign.

The sources indicate that this name occurs eight times, primarily within the narrative of 2 Samuel. It serves to distinguish Sheba from other rebels or leaders by establishing his lineage. The term also appears in a related form, bichri (H1276), referring to the "Bichrites," likely denoting the people or clan associated with this family line during the United Monarchy period.

Etymologically, the root suggests concepts of early life or primacy. While the name itself is brief, its presence in the text anchors the story of Sheba’s rebellion in a specific genealogical context. This connection highlights how individual identities were often defined by their familial ties in ancient Israelite society, particularly during times of civil unrest.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Bichri appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun, identifying the father of Sheba, a Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David. This brief genealogical marker serves to anchor the story of civil unrest in a specific family line, reminding us that individual identities were often defined by their ancestral ties during times of political crisis.

While the name itself does not carry a direct moral instruction for daily living, its presence in 2 Samuel highlights the fragility of unity and the consequences of division within God’s people. It invites reflection on how personal grievances can escalate into broader conflicts, challenging believers to seek reconciliation and peace rather than separation.

In our own lives, we may encounter moments where loyalty is tested or where divisions arise among those we care about. The account of Sheba son of Bichri encourages us to value unity, pursue wisdom in conflict, and trust in God’s sovereignty over the outcomes of human disputes, knowing that He works all things for His purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Bicri8×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

בִּכְרִֽי\׃3×
בִּכְרִ֖י2×
בִּכְרִי֙1×
בִּכְרִ֣י1×
בִּכְרִ֑י1×

Key Verses

II Samuel 20:1
There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”

This verse introduces Sheba son of Bichri as a Benjamite who exploits tribal tensions to incite rebellion, establishing his lineage as central to the political conflict.
II Samuel 20:6
David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants and pursue after him, lest he get himself fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.”

David recognizes that Sheba’s threat is more dangerous than Absalom’s, highlighting how Bichri’s son represents a critical challenge to royal authority.
II Samuel 20:21
The matter is not so. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David. Just deliver him, and I will depart from the city.” The woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”

The woman of Abel identifies Sheba as the instigator, using his full name to clarify the specific target of Joab’s mission and the reason for the siege.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Bichri mean in the Bible?

Bichri is a proper noun found in the Hebrew Bible, identifying the father of Sheba, a Benjamite rebel. The name appears primarily in 2 Samuel to establish genealogical context for the political turmoil following King David’s reign.

Who is Sheba son of Bichri?

Sheba son of Bichri was a Benjamite who led a rebellion against King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 20. He blew a trumpet to incite Israelites to separate from Judah, claiming no portion in the king’s house.

Why is Bichri mentioned in Scripture?

Bichri is mentioned to identify his son Sheba, whose actions caused significant division within Israel. His name anchors the narrative in a specific family line, illustrating how personal grievances can lead to broader national conflict.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)

II Samuel 8 verses

II Samuel 20:1

There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the…

II Samuel 20:2

So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah…

II Samuel 20:6

David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your lord’s servants…

II Samuel 20:7

Joab’s men went out after him with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of…

II Samuel 20:10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the body and shed out his…

II Samuel 20:13

When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri.

II Samuel 20:21

The matter is not so. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand…

II Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out…