שְׁבָבִים (sha.vav)
sha.vav
fragment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shavvim appears only once in the Old Testament, in Hosea 8:6. It denotes small pieces or splinters, likely referring to fragments of wood or stone. The word carries a sense of brokenness and disintegration, painting a picture of something that has been shattered into unusable parts.
In its single biblical occurrence, the term describes the fate of Israel’s idolatrous calf. The prophet uses this image to show how what was meant for worship becomes nothing more than debris. This vivid metaphor underscores the futility of turning away from God toward false gods, leaving only scattered remnants behind.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shavvim describes fragments or splinters, appearing only once in Scripture within Hosea 8:6. Here it portrays the calf of Samaria shattered into useless debris by the hands that crafted it. This image captures the inevitable result of trusting in idols: they break down and leave us with nothing but scattered remnants.
When we place our hope in anything other than God, we often find those things failing us when we need them most. The prophet Hosea uses this vivid picture to remind us that false gods cannot sustain us. Instead of offering strength, they crumble into pieces, leaving the worshiper with empty hands.
Yet this warning carries a gentle invitation. If idols break, God remains whole and unshaken. You can rest in the One who does not fracture under pressure. His promises hold firm when everything else falls apart, offering you a stability that lasts beyond any temporary comfort or illusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fragments1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁבָבִ֣ים1×
Key Verses
-
Hosea 8:6
For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical destruction of the Samarian calf, illustrating how idolatry results in brokenness rather than blessing.