שֹׁבִי (sho.vi)
sho.vi
Shobi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shobi refers to a specific historical figure mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible, at 2 Samuel 17:27. He is identified as an Ammonite prince, the son of Nahash from Rabbah, who provided supplies to King David during Absalom’s rebellion. The sources note that his name translates to "glorious," a meaning that stands out given his political position as a subject of a nation often at odds with Israel.
His appearance in the narrative highlights a moment of unexpected alliance. While his father Nahash had previously been an adversary, Shobi chooses to support David when the king is vulnerable and fleeing Jerusalem. This single mention offers a glimpse into the complex diplomatic relationships of the United Monarchy, where loyalty could shift based on immediate political necessity rather than long-standing ethnic enmity.
Because Shobi appears in only one verse, there is no broader theological pattern or linguistic range to analyze. His significance lies entirely in his role as a historical actor who facilitated David’s survival during a critical crisis. The text uses his action to underscore the extent of David’s distress and the diverse support he managed to secure, even from former rivals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shobi appears only once in Scripture, recorded in 2 Samuel 17:27. He was an Ammonite prince who brought supplies to King David while David fled from his son Absalom. This moment captures a time of great vulnerability for the king, yet also reveals how God can use unexpected allies to provide for His people.
Shobi’s father had previously been an enemy of Israel, but Shobi chose to support David in his hour of need. This story reminds us that relationships and loyalties can shift in surprising ways. It encourages us to look beyond past conflicts and see opportunities for kindness and provision in the present.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shobi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שֹׁבִ֨י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:27
When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
This verse records Shobi’s specific act of bringing supplies to David, highlighting his role as an unexpected ally during a crisis.