שֶׁבְנָא (shev.na)
shev.na
Shebna
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shebna, or Shebnah as it appears in some passages, translates to "vigour" and identifies a prominent official during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Listed among the key figures in the royal court alongside the high priest Eliakim and the recorder Jonathan, he served primarily as the king’s secretary or scribe, handling administrative duties for the kingdom.
His historical significance stems from his role during the Assyrian crisis under Sennacherib. In 2 Kings 18:18, he is sent out to negotiate with the Assyrian commanders, a task that places him at the center of one of Judah’s most dangerous diplomatic moments. Later, in Isaiah 22:15-19, the prophet confronts him for his pride and ambition, predicting that God will displace him from his position and cast him out of office.
Unlike many biblical figures who are defined by their faith or lineage, Shebna is remembered almost entirely through his political actions and subsequent fall from grace. His story serves as a cautionary account within the court of Hezekiah, highlighting the instability of human power when it relies on personal ambition rather than divine guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shebna means 'vigour,' a fitting title for a man who held significant administrative power in King Hezekiah’s court. As the royal scribe, he managed the kingdom’s affairs during a time of intense pressure from the Assyrian empire. His story reminds us that even those in positions of influence are subject to God’s sovereignty and judgment.
Shebna’s rise and fall highlight the danger of trusting in personal ambition rather than divine guidance. When the prophet Isaiah confronted him, it was not just about his job title but the posture of his heart. This narrative invites us to examine where we place our confidence, ensuring that our strength is rooted in humility before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shebna7×
- Shebna2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֨א3×
- שֶׁבְנָ֣א1×
- שֶׁבְנָ֖א1×
- וְ/שֶׁבְנָה֙1×
- וְ/שֶׁבְנָא֙1×
- וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֨ה1×
- וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֣א1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:15
The Lord, Yahweh of Armies says, “Go, get yourself to this treasurer, even to Shebna, who is over the house, and say,
This verse marks the turning point where Isaiah directly confronts Shebna, identifying him as the treasurer whose pride is under divine scrutiny.
-
II Kings 18:18
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them.
Shebna appears here as a key diplomatic figure sent to negotiate with Assyrian commanders, showing his high status in the royal court.
-
Isaiah 36:3
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph the recorder came out to him.
The repetition of Shebna’s role alongside Eliakim and Joah emphasizes his consistent presence as a central administrator during the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shebna mean?
Why is Shebna important in the Bible?
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Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
II Kings 4 verses
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and…
II Kings 18:26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian…
II Kings 18:37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the…
II Kings 19:2He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth,…