שׁוֹבָל (sho.val)
sho.val
Shobal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shobal appears in biblical genealogies as a marker of lineage rather than a figure with recorded deeds. In Genesis, he is identified as the second son of Seir the Horite, placing him among the early inhabitants of Edom before the rise of the Israelite tribes. His brothers include Lotan and Zibeon, and his own sons are listed to establish the continuity of this clan.
The name itself carries the meaning "flowing," likely referencing water or a stream. This etymological detail connects the individual to the landscape, though the text does not elaborate on any specific association with water in his narrative. The sources note that Shobal also appears later as a descendant of Caleb, specifically as the son of Hur and founder of Kirjath-jearim.
Some scholars suggest these two references might point to the same person, bridging the Horite and Judahite lines through marriage or adoption, while others treat them as distinct individuals sharing a common name. Regardless of whether they are one or two men, Shobal serves as a link in the chain of ancestry that connects the broader ancient Near Eastern world with the specific tribal histories of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shobal appears in Scripture not as a character with recorded deeds, but as a link in a long chain of ancestry. Its meaning, "flowing," evokes the steady movement of water or time. In the ancient world, genealogies were not mere lists; they established identity and belonging within a community. To be named was to be part of a story that stretched back generations.
For your faith life, this reminds us that we are connected to something larger than ourselves. Whether listed as a son of Seir or a descendant of Caleb, these names show how God preserves lineages across different tribes and regions. It is a quiet assurance that history matters to God, and every name in the record has a place.
You do not need to know every detail of your own lineage to feel secure. The Bible shows that God remembers His people through generations. This continuity offers comfort, suggesting that our lives are held within a faithful narrative that spans centuries and connects diverse peoples.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shobal5×
- and/ Shobal3×
- to/ Shobal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שׁוֹבָ֔ל3×
- וְ/שׁוֹבָ֖ל2×
- שׁוֹבָל֙1×
- שׁוֹבָ֕ל1×
- לְ/שׁוֹבָ֔ל1×
- וְ/שׁוֹבָֽל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
This verse introduces Shobal as a son of Seir, establishing his place among the early inhabitants of Edom before the rise of Israel.
-
I Chronicles 2:50
These were the sons of Caleb, the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim,
Here Shobal is identified as a descendant of Caleb, showing how the name bridges Horite and Judahite lines in later history.
-
I Chronicles 4:1
The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
This entry places Shobal directly in the tribe of Judah, linking him to the broader ancestral line of King David.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shobal mean?
Is Shobal the same person in Genesis and Chronicles?
Why is Shobal listed in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Genesis 36:23These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
Genesis 36:29These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,