שֶׁ֫בֶר (she.ver)
she.ver
grain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shever refers to grain, the staple food that sustained life in ancient Israel. In Genesis, this simple commodity becomes the bridge between death and survival. Jacob’s family faces starvation, yet God provides a way out through the grain stored in Egypt. This story reminds us that even in our most desperate moments, provision is often closer than we think.
Grain also reveals the condition of our hearts. In Amos, the prophet condemns those who exploit others for profit, treating basic sustenance as a tool for greed rather than a gift from God. When we view resources merely as opportunities for gain, we miss the deeper call to justice and compassion. True faithfulness means using what we have to care for our neighbors, not just to fill our own stores.
Ultimately, this word points to God’s faithful provision. Whether in times of famine or plenty, He remains the source of all good things. We can trust that He will meet our needs and guide us to act with integrity in how we handle what He has given us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ grain1×
- grain/ their1×
- grain/ his1×
- grain1×
- for the/ grain1×
- [was] grain1×
- [the] grain of1×
- [is] grain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֖בֶר3×
- שֶּׁ֔בֶר1×
- שִׁבְרָ֖/ם1×
- שִׁבְר֑/וֹ1×
- הַ/שֶּׁ֔בֶר1×
- בַּ/שֶּׁ֖בֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 42:1
Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?”
This verse introduces the crisis of famine and sets the stage for God’s provision through Joseph, showing how grain becomes the means of salvation for Jacob’s family.
-
Genesis 42:2
He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”
Jacob’s command to buy grain highlights human dependence on divine provision, as survival hinges on responding to God’s open door in Egypt.
-
Amos 8:5
saying, ‘When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel large, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;
The prophet uses the desire for grain to expose commercial greed, showing how exploiting basic needs violates God’s standard of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shever mean?
How is shever different from other words for food?
Why is grain important in the story of Joseph?
What does Amos say about grain?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?”
Genesis 42:2He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may…
Genesis 42:19If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of…
Genesis 42:26They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there.
Genesis 43:2When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a…
Genesis 44:2Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word…
Genesis 47:14Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which…