שָׁבָה (sha.vah)
sha.vah
to take captive
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb shavah means to take someone or something into captivity, a forceful act of removal that applies to people, animals, and wealth. In the Hebrew Bible it describes the physical reality of defeat, whether in battle or through raiding. The sources note its use for taking prisoners of war, as when Jacob’s sons seize the men of Shechem (Genesis 34:29), or for driving away livestock, such as the flocks taken by the Amalekites (1 Chronicles 5:21).
Its range extends beyond humans to include material goods and even abstract concepts like "captives of the sword" (Genesis 31:26). This breadth shows that in the ancient mindset, loss of freedom was often tied directly to the loss of property and status. The Niphal form simply indicates the passive experience of being taken away, a frequent theme in the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah and the historical accounts of Chronicles.
The word carries heavy theological weight because it frames exile not as an accident but as a consequence of covenant failure. Kings Solomon and the prophets repeatedly use shavah to describe Israel’s future scattering (1 Kings 8:46-50). Translators typically render it "carry away captive" or "take prisoner," preserving the sense of displacement that defines much of the Old Testament narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about people being taken captive in Scripture, it often feels distant or purely historical. Yet this word describes a profound loss of freedom and identity. It reminds us that our deepest security does not rest in military strength or political alliances, but in God’s covenant faithfulness. Even when circumstances seem to strip away our safety, the biblical narrative shows that God remains sovereign over exile and return.
This reality offers comfort rather than fear. The prophets used this term to warn Israel, but also to promise restoration. When God’s people turned back to Him, He did not leave them in their distress. Instead, He provided a way home. This pattern teaches us that no situation is beyond the reach of divine mercy and redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- captors/ their7×
- and/ they took captive5×
- they took captive3×
- and/ they had taken captive3×
- you have taken captive2×
- they have been taken captive2×
- they had been taken captive2×
- and/ they will take captive/ them2×
- and/ he took captive2×
- will it take captive/ you1×
- took captive1×
- to/ captives1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹֽׁבֵי/הֶם֙3×
- שָׁב֣וּ2×
- נִשְׁבּוּ\־2×
- נִשְׁבָּ֖ה2×
- תִּשְׁבֶּֽ/ךָּ\׃1×
- שׁוֹבֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
- שׁוֹבֵי/הֶ֛ם1×
- שׁוֹבֵ֡י/נוּ1×
- שֽׁוֹבֵי/הֶ֔ם1×
- שֹׁבֵי/הֶ֖ם1×
- שֹׁבִ֣ים1×
- שָׁבוּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:14
When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan.
This verse establishes Abram’s commitment to family loyalty by showing his immediate response to a relative being taken captive.
-
I Kings 8:47
yet if they repent in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and have done perversely; we have dealt wickedly,’
Solomon’s prayer acknowledges that even in exile, repentance can lead to restoration because God hears those carried away captive.
-
II Chronicles 28:8
The children of Israel carried away captive of their brothers two hundred thousand women, sons, and daughters, and also took away much plunder from them, and brought the plunder to Samaria.
This account illustrates the severe consequences of turning away from God, where Israel’s own brothers become the agents of captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shavah mean?
How is shavah different from other words for capture?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 3 verses
When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his…
Genesis 31:26Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the…
Genesis 34:29and all their wealth. They took captive all their little ones and their wives, and took as plunder everything that was…