שְׁוָא (she.va)
she.va
Sheva
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sheva appears in two distinct biblical contexts, both referring to men named "Jehovah contends." In 1 Chronicles 2:49, he is a minor figure, identified as a son of Caleb and his concubine Maacah. This listing places him within the genealogical records of Judah during the wilderness period, linking him to other sons of Caleb such as Sheber and Tirhanah.
A second individual with this name serves as a high-ranking official in King David’s court. First mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:17, he is recorded alongside Joab as a commander or scribe. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 18:16 refers to him by the variant spelling Shavsha, while other passages like 1 Kings 4:3 call him Shisha, suggesting these are different forms of the same official’s name.
Though the word itself does not carry a broad semantic range like common nouns, its occurrence highlights the administrative structure of the United Monarchy. The variation in spelling across Samuel, Chronicles, and Kings reflects the scribal traditions that preserved these records. The name serves as a reminder that even those outside the primary royal lineage played roles in the nation’s governance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sheva appears in the biblical record as a reminder that God’s work often involves ordinary people holding important roles. In 1 Chronicles, Sheva is listed among the descendants of Caleb, showing how family lineage and tribal identity were carefully preserved during the wilderness period. This genealogical detail connects him to the broader story of Judah, illustrating how each generation played a part in God’s unfolding plan.
In another context, Sheva serves as a scribe in King David’s court, working alongside military leaders like Joab. His presence highlights the administrative structure of the United Monarchy, where scribes and officials helped maintain order and justice. Though not a central figure in dramatic narratives, his role underscores the value of faithful service in supporting God’s people through practical means.
These instances remind us that every believer has a place in God’s story, whether in prominent or quiet roles. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can find purpose in our daily responsibilities, knowing that even small acts of faithfulness contribute to the greater work of His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Sheva1×
- Sheva1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁוָ֛א1×
- וּ/שְׁוָ֖א1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:49
She bore also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbena and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah.
This verse places Sheva within Caleb’s family line, showing how genealogies preserved tribal identity during the wilderness period.
-
II Samuel 20:25
Sheva was scribe, Zadok and Abiathar were priests,
Here, Sheva serves as scribe in David’s court, highlighting the administrative structure that supported the United Monarchy.