בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע (bat-she.va)
bat-she.va
Bathsheba
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name bat-sheva means "daughter of an oath" or "daughter of seven." It identifies a specific historical figure in the United Monarchy, first appearing in 2 Samuel 11:3. She is known as the wife of Uriah and later of David, and the mother of Solomon, Shammua, Shobab, and Nathan.
Lexical sources note that this name appears in 1 Chronicles 3:5 as bat-shua, suggesting a possible textual variation or alternative form. The name itself does not carry a theological definition beyond its literal components. It serves primarily as a proper identifier for a woman whose life is recorded in the narratives of David’s reign and Solomon’s succession.
Its occurrence across ten verses highlights her role in the royal lineage rather than any abstract concept. Translators retain the name without alteration, preserving its function as a historical marker within the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bathsheba’s name appears in ten verses, marking her not as an abstract idea but as a real woman woven into the royal narrative of Israel. Her story moves from the quiet dignity of Uriah’s wife to the active role she plays in securing Solomon’s throne. This progression shows how God uses ordinary people to fulfill His larger plans for history.
For readers today, her life offers comfort in uncertainty. Whether facing personal loss or navigating complex family dynamics, Bathsheba demonstrates that faithfulness and courage can shape outcomes. Her presence reminds us that God’s purposes unfold through real lives, not just grand theories.
Her final appearances highlight respect and wisdom. She approaches kings with humility yet speaks boldly for justice. This balance invites us to trust that our own stories, however messy, are held within God’s faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- -sheba10×
- Bath-9×
- <to>/ Bath-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּת\־7×
- שֶׁ֤בַע2×
- שֶׁ֣בַע2×
- שֶׁ֙בַע֙2×
- בַת\־2×
- שָׁ֑בַע1×
- שֶׁ֤בֶע1×
- שֶׁ֖בַע1×
- שֶׁ֔בַע1×
- לְ/בַת\־1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 11:3
David sent and inquired after the woman. One said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, Uriah the Hittite’s wife?”
This verse introduces her by name and identity, linking her to Eliam and Uriah, which grounds the subsequent narrative in specific human relationships.
-
I Kings 1:11
Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord doesn’t know it?
Nathan addresses her directly as 'the mother of Solomon,' highlighting her pivotal role in the succession crisis against Adonijah.
-
I Kings 2:19
Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. The king rose up to meet her and bowed himself to her, and sat down on his throne and caused a throne to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.
Solomon honors her by giving her a throne at his right hand, signifying her restored status and respect within the royal court.