שִׁבְיָה (shiv.yah)
shiv.yah
captive
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shivyah refers to a captive or the state of being captured. It appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical and prophetic books like II Chronicles and Jeremiah. The word describes people who have been taken prisoner in war, emphasizing their loss of freedom and status as property of the conqueror.
Its usage often highlights the severity of judgment or the reality of exile. For instance, Jeremiah uses it to describe the fate of Judah’s leaders and people under Babylonian rule (Jeremiah 39:6). In II Chronicles, it marks the consequences of disobedience for kings like Jehoiakim (II Chronicles 36:6). The term is not merely about physical restraint but carries the weight of national defeat and divine discipline.
Translators typically render shivyah as "captive" or "captivity," depending on context. It underscores a pivotal moment in Israel’s history when the nation lost its autonomy. This word serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from covenant faithfulness, yet it also sets the stage for themes of restoration and return found in later prophetic literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shivyah reminds us that freedom is a gift, not a right. In the ancient world, being a captive meant losing one’s home, family, and dignity. It was a time of deep shame and helplessness. Yet even in these dark moments, the biblical narrative shows that God sees those who are bound.
When Israel faced exile, it was not just a political defeat but a spiritual awakening. The prophets used this word to call people back to faithfulness. It teaches us that our security does not rest in armies or walls, but in our relationship with the Lord. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, His mercy remains.
We can find comfort in knowing that God is able to restore what has been taken. Whether we feel trapped by sin, fear, or difficult seasons, we are never beyond the reach of His grace. He offers a freedom that no chain can hold.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ group of captives3×
- on the/ group of captives1×
- in <the>/ captivity1×
- and/ [the] captive1×
- among the/ [female] captive[s]1×
- a group of captives1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שִּׁבְיָה֙2×
- שִׁבְיָ֣ה1×
- וְ/שִׁבְיָ֔ה1×
- הַ/שִּׁבְיָ֔ה1×
- בַּ/שִּׁבְיָֽה\׃1×
- בַּ/שִּׁבְיָ֔ה1×
- בַ/שִּׁבְיָ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 28:15
The men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them, gave them sandals, gave them something to eat and to drink, anointed them, carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria.
This verse shows the captives receiving care and dignity, highlighting God's concern for the vulnerable even in defeat.
-
Jeremiah 48:46
Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh are undone; for your sons are taken away captive, and your daughters into captivity.
Here the word marks the fulfillment of judgment against Moab, showing that actions have serious spiritual consequences.
-
II Chronicles 28:13
and said to them, “You must not bring in the captives here, for you intend that which will bring on us a trespass against Yahweh, to add to our sins and to our guilt; for our guilt is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.”
The leaders warn that keeping captives as slaves adds to Israel's guilt, linking mercy with covenant faithfulness.