שָׁוֵה (sha.veh)
sha.veh
Shaveh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shavah refers to a level place, specifically a plain or valley floor that is flat and even. In the Bible, it appears only twice, both in Genesis 14, where it describes the terrain of the Valley of Siddim. The term highlights the physical characteristic of the land: it was not rugged or hilly, but open and accessible.
This geographical detail sets the stage for a significant historical encounter. After defeating a coalition of kings, Abram returns to this level ground, where he meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem. The flatness of the shavah provided a neutral, open space for this meeting between two powerful leaders, one a warrior returning from battle and the other a priest-king.
By using shavah, the text emphasizes the openness of the encounter. It was not hidden in mountains or forests but occurred in the clear light of day on even ground. This setting underscores the public nature of Abram’s victory and his subsequent blessing by Melchizedek, marking a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shavah describes a flat, level plain. In Genesis, it marks the Valley of Siddim, an open space where ancient armies clashed and leaders met. This terrain was not hidden in rugged hills but lay clear and accessible under the sky.
For your faith, this setting reminds us that God often works in the open. Abram returned from battle to this level ground, where he encountered Melchizedek. The flatness of the place allowed for a public blessing, showing that divine encounters can happen in plain sight. It was a neutral space, free from the shadows of forests or mountains.
When you face conflicts or transitions, remember that clarity often comes in open spaces. God’s blessings are not always secret; sometimes they arrive where we can see them clearly. This level ground invites us to stand firm and receive grace without hiding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ Shaveh1×
- Shaveh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁוֵ֔ה1×
- בְּ/שָׁוֵ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:5
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
This verse identifies Shaveh as the location of Kiriathaim, establishing the geographical context for the military campaigns described in Genesis 14.
-
Genesis 14:17
The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
Here, the term clarifies that the 'King’s Valley' is a flat plain where Abram meets Melchizedek after his victory, highlighting the public nature of this encounter.