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שׁוּנַמִּית (shu.nam.mit)

shu.nam.mit

Shunammites

H7767 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

N:N-F-L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-F-L

Word Overview

The term shunnammit refers to a woman from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar. The name itself likely derives from a root meaning "double rest," perhaps describing the location’s peaceful setting or its role as a place of respite. In the biblical narrative, this geographical identifier distinguishes the character from others who share similar names.

This word appears exclusively in the books of Kings to describe the woman who hosted the prophet Elisha. She is known for her hospitality and faith, offering him a room built on her roof (2 Kings 4:10). The text uses this single adjective to anchor her identity to her home, highlighting how her local roots were integral to her story of provision and eventual restoration.

While the name Shunem appears elsewhere in Scripture, the specific form shunnammit is reserved for this one significant figure. Its limited usage underscores the uniqueness of her interaction with Elisha, marking her not just by her actions but by the place that shaped her life and witness.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The term Shunammite identifies a woman from Shunem, a town whose name suggests a place of rest or double comfort. In Scripture, this label appears only to describe two distinct figures: Abishag, who cared for the aging King David, and the unnamed woman who hosted the prophet Elisha. Her story reveals how ordinary hospitality can intersect with divine power. By offering Elisha a dedicated room on her roof, she created space for his ministry, demonstrating that faithful service often begins with practical generosity.

This word reminds us that our local roots and daily actions matter deeply to God. The Shunammite’s faith was not abstract; it was lived out in specific, tangible ways that led to profound blessings and restoration. Her example encourages us to look for opportunities to serve those around us, trusting that God sees and honors such kindness. Whether in times of peace or trial, our willingness to open our homes and hearts can become a channel for grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ Shunammite5×
  • the/ Shunammite [woman]1×
  • [is] the/ Shunammite [woman]1×
  • <to> the/ Shunammite [woman]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הַ/שּׁ֣וּנַמִּ֔ית2×
  • לַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֣ית1×
  • הַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֥ית1×
  • הַ/שּׁוּנַמִּ֖ית1×
  • הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּית֙1×
  • הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּ֣ית1×
  • הַ/שֻּׁנַמִּ֑ית1×

Key Verses

  • II Kings 4:12
    He said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him.

    Elisha specifically requests this woman by her origin, showing that her identity as a Shunammite was recognized as integral to her role in supporting his prophetic ministry.

  • II Kings 4:36
    He called Gehazi, and said, “Call this Shunammite!” So he called her. When she had come in to him, he said, “Take up your son.”

    Gehazi is commanded to call the Shunammite back after the miracle, highlighting that her faith and presence were essential to the completion of God's work in restoring her son.

  • I Kings 1:3
    So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

    Abishag is introduced as a Shunammite, linking her geographical origin to her specific function in caring for King David during his final years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shunammite mean?

Shunammite refers to a woman from Shunem, an ancient town in the territory of Issachar. The name likely derives from a root meaning 'double rest,' reflecting the area's peaceful nature. In the Bible, this term is used exclusively to identify two women: Abishag and the host of Elisha.

Who are the Shunammites in the Bible?

There are two notable Shunammites. The first is Abishag, who served King David in his old age (1 Kings 1:3). The second is an unnamed woman in 2 Kings 4-8 who provided shelter for Elisha and whose son was resurrected. Both are defined by their origin rather than personal names.

Why is the Shunammite woman significant?

She is significant because her hospitality toward Elisha led to a promise of a son and later, the restoration of that son after death. Her story illustrates how faithful service and trust in God can result in miraculous provision and hope, even in difficult circumstances.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)

I Kings 5 verses
I Kings 1:3

So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and…

I Kings 1:15

Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king.

I Kings 2:17

He said, “Please speak to Solomon the king (for he will not tell you ‘no’), that he give me Abishag the Shunammite as…

I Kings 2:21

She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as wife.”

I Kings 2:22

King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also,…

II Kings 3 verses