שֶׁ֫בַע (she.va)
she.va
Sheba
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The proper noun sheba appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within historical narratives from Samuel and Chronicles. It identifies two distinct men who lived during the era of the United Monarchy: a Benjamite named Sheba, son of Bichri, and a Gadite named Sheba, son of Abihail. The Benjamite is most notable for instigating a rebellion against King David in 2 Samuel 20, while the Gadite is listed among the descendants in 1 Chronicles 5.
The name itself carries the meaning "seven," a number often associated with completeness or oath-taking in biblical thought. Beyond these individuals, the term also serves as a place name, functioning as an alternative designation for Beersheba in the region of Simeon (Joshua 19:2). This geographic usage links the personal names to the broader landscape of Israel’s tribal inheritance.
Translators consistently render this word as "Sheba" without variation, preserving its identity as a specific historical figure rather than a common noun. The recurrence of the name in both northern (Benjamin) and eastern (Gad) tribal contexts suggests it was a known designation during the early monarchy, even though only one instance involves significant narrative action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sheba appears in the Hebrew Bible as a marker of both loyalty and division. In Joshua, it anchors the tribal inheritance of Simeon to Beersheba, grounding the people in their promised land. This geographic root reminds us that our identity is tied to where God has placed us, providing stability when life feels uncertain.
Yet the name also surfaces in 2 Samuel during a moment of national fracture. Sheba son of Bichri uses the slogan “We have no portion in David” to rally Israel away from their king. His rebellion highlights how quickly unity can dissolve into selfishness. The narrative does not shy away from this pain, showing us that even God’s chosen people struggle with division.
Ultimately, the story of Sheba son of Bichri ends in judgment, while the name Sheba son of Abihail remains part of the genealogies that preserve Israel’s heritage. These records invite us to reflect on our own allegiances. Who do we follow when challenges arise? The text encourages a heart fixed on God’s king rather than fleeting grievances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sheba6×
- and/ Sheba2×
- [who is] Sheba1×
- [was] Sheba1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֥בַע5×
- שֶׁ֧בַע1×
- שֶׁ֤בַע1×
- שֶׁ֣בַע1×
- וְ֠/שֶׁבַע1×
- וְ/שֶׁ֖בַע1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:1
There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”
This verse introduces the rebel Sheba, whose words expose the fragile unity of Israel after Absalom’s defeat.
-
II Samuel 20:2
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah joined with their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.
The split between Judah and the rest of Israel is cemented here as they follow Sheba away from David.
-
II Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
The rebellion concludes when the woman of Abel kills Sheba, restoring order through decisive action rather than prolonged war.
-
I Chronicles 5:13
Their brothers of their fathers’ houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber, seven.
This listing of Sheba son of Abihail connects the name to the Gadite tribe, showing how genealogies preserve identity across generations.