שְׁבַנְיָהוּ (she.van.yah)
she.van.yah
Shebaniah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shebaniah, meaning "increased by Jehovah," appears in four biblical verses, primarily within the books of Nehemiah and 1 Chronicles. The sources identify this as a personal name rather than a common noun, reflecting a theological hope for divine growth or blessing upon the individual.
Scripture records at least two distinct individuals bearing this name. One served as a priest under King David, tasked with blowing trumpets before the ark of God (1 Chronicles 15:24). Another Shebaniah appears during the post-exilic restoration, signing the covenant renewal alongside Nehemiah’s leaders (Nehemiah 9:4; 10:12). The repetition of the name in these key historical moments suggests it was a respected title within the priestly and Levitical communities.
While the name itself does not carry complex semantic ranges, its usage highlights the continuity of worship. From David’s temple preparations to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, those named Shebaniah were active participants in Israel’s covenant life. The name serves as a reminder that ordinary individuals played significant roles in preserving religious tradition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shebaniah carries a quiet hope: "increased by Jehovah." It appears in Scripture not as a title for God, but as a reminder that ordinary people are part of His growing work. In 1 Chronicles, Shebaniah blows the trumpet before the ark, joining others in leading worship. This simple act of service helped prepare Israel’s heart for God’s presence.
Centuries later, during the rebuilding of Jerusalem, another Shebaniah stands with Levites to bless Yahweh (Nehemiah 9:5). Here, the name connects past and present faithfulness. These individuals were not famous kings or prophets, yet their names endure because they chose to participate in God’s covenant community.
When you read these verses, notice how God uses regular people to sustain worship and memory. Their lives show that staying faithful in small roles matters deeply. This continuity reminds us that our own quiet acts of service join a larger story of grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shebaniah2×
- of/ Shebaniah1×
- and/ Shebaniah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁבַנְיָ֣ה1×
- שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה1×
- לִ/שְׁבַנְיָ֖ה1×
- וּ/שְׁבַנְיָ֡הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before God’s ark; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
This verse shows Shebaniah actively participating in worship by blowing trumpets before the ark, highlighting his role in leading Israel's praise during David's reign.
-
Nehemiah 9:5
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting! Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!
Here Shebaniah joins Levites in calling the people to bless Yahweh, emphasizing communal worship and remembrance of God's enduring glory during the post-exilic restoration.
-
Nehemiah 12:14
of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;
This brief mention lists Shebaniah’s son Joseph among temple officials, illustrating how the name persisted through generations as families served in Jerusalem's religious life.