שׁוֹבָב (sho.vav)
sho.vav
Shobab
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 Shobab appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun for two distinct men from the tribe of Judah. In the historical records, it identifies one son of King David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 5:14), who is listed among his younger children alongside Nathan and Solomon. The same name also belongs to a descendant of Caleb, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2:18 as the son of Caleb and his wife Azubah.
Etymologically, Shobab derives from the Hebrew root meaning "to turn back" or "return," often carrying the connotation of being rebellious or wayward. This linguistic weight creates an interesting contrast with David’s family history, where other sons like Absalom were also known for rebellion. The name serves as a simple identifier in the biblical text, linking these individuals to their lineage within the United Monarchy period.
With only four occurrences across Scripture, Shobab is not a central theological figure but rather a marker of royal and tribal ancestry. His presence in the lists of David’s sons highlights the large size of the royal household, while his appearance in Caleb’s genealogy connects the royal line to the earlier conquest period. The name remains a specific historical label without further narrative development in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shobab comes from a Hebrew root meaning to turn back or return. In the biblical lists where it appears, it identifies two different men: one son of King David and another descendant of Caleb. While the text does not tell us their personal stories, the name itself carries a quiet weight. It reminds us that even those whose names are merely listed in genealogies are part of God’s larger plan.
For your faith, this is a gentle encouragement. You do not need to be a central figure in history to matter. Whether you are tracing your own roots or simply walking through daily life, you are included in the lineage of faith. The Bible values every name, every connection, and every person who belongs to God’s family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shobab4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שׁוֹבָ֔ב2×
- וְ/שׁוֹבָ֞ב1×
- וְ/שׁוֹבָ֖ב1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 5:14
These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
This verse places Shobab among David’s sons in Jerusalem, highlighting his role as part of the royal lineage during a time of national stability.
-
I Chronicles 2:18
Caleb the son of Hezron became the father of children by Azubah his wife, and by Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
Here Shobab is listed as a son of Caleb and Azubah, connecting the name to the tribal heritage of Judah rather than the immediate royal line.
-
I Chronicles 3:5
and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;
This occurrence specifies Shobab as a son born to David by Bathshua, further detailing the composition of the king’s household in Jerusalem.