שְׁכֶם (she.khem)
she.khem
Shechem
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Shechem comes from a Hebrew word meaning "shoulder" or "back." This etymology fits its geography perfectly, as the ancient city sat in a valley nestled between two mountains, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. The landscape itself seemed to carry the weight of the region, much like a shoulder bears a load.
In Scripture, this location serves as a major setting for pivotal events. Jacob first built an altar there after arriving in Canaan (Genesis 12:6), and later his family settled nearby. The city also features prominently in the violent story of Dinah in Genesis 34, and it becomes a central political hub during the time of the Judges and the divided monarchy.
The word’s root imagery of bearing weight adds depth to its biblical role. Just as a shoulder supports what is placed upon it, Shechem often appears as a place where covenants are renewed or where leadership decisions are made. It stands not just as a geographic point, but as a symbolic center of Israel’s history and identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Shechem is more than a dot on an ancient map; it is a landscape where God’s people encountered their history and their faith. The name itself suggests a shoulder, a place of bearing weight. In the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Israel faced moments that defined their identity as a nation. From Abraham’s first altar to Joshua’s final covenant, this site held the gravity of divine promise and human response.
For your own walk, Shechem reminds us that faith often takes place in places of significant weight. It was here that Jacob settled after years of wandering, buying land and establishing a home. It was also where the tribes gathered to renew their commitment to God. These events show that our spiritual journeys are not just private moments but communal milestones marked by trust and obedience.
When you face decisions or seasons of transition, remember that God meets us in the valleys of our lives. Just as Israel found direction at Shechem, you can find clarity and peace when you anchor your heart in God’s promises. This place stands as a witness to the enduring nature of His covenant with those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shechem41×
- Shechem/ towards7×
- at/ Shechem5×
- and/ Shechem2×
- [was] in/ Shechem2×
- in/ Shechem1×
- from/ Shechem1×
- [is] Shechem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁכֶ֔ם9×
- שְׁכֶ֖ם6×
- שְׁכֶ֑ם6×
- שְׁכֶם֙4×
- שְׁכֶ֛ם4×
- בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם\׃4×
- שְׁכֶֽם\׃3×
- שְׁכֶ֣ם3×
- שְׁכֶ֑מָ/ה3×
- שְׁכֶ֥ם2×
- שְׁכֶ֔מָ/ה2×
- בִּ/שְׁכֶ֔ם2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 12:6
Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.
This verse marks the first mention of Shechem, showing Abram acknowledging God’s promise in this specific valley.
-
Joshua 24:1
Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
Here Joshua gathers all the tribes to renew their covenant with God, making it a central point of national unity.
-
Genesis 33:19
He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.
Jacob’s purchase of land here signifies his permanent settlement and trust in God’s provision after his return from Paddan Aram.
-
Joshua 24:32
They buried the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver. They became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
The burial of Joseph’s bones in this same plot connects the Exodus generation back to Jacob’s earlier purchase, showing continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shechem mean?
Why is Shechem important in the Old Testament?
What happened to Joseph’s bones in Shechem?
Every Occurrence (51 verses across 8 books)
Genesis 17 verses
Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.
Genesis 33:18Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped…
Genesis 33:19He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father,…
Genesis 34:2Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her. He took her, lay with her, and humbled her.
Genesis 34:4Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, “Get me this young lady as a wife.”
Genesis 34:6Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to talk with him.
Genesis 34:8Hamor talked with them, saying, “The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.
Genesis 34:11Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will…
Genesis 34:13The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their…
Genesis 34:18Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.
Genesis 34:20Hamor and Shechem, his son, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the men of their city, saying,
Genesis 34:24All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem his son; and every male was circumcised, all…
Genesis 34:26They killed Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went…
Genesis 35:4They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob…
Genesis 37:12His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
Genesis 37:13Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” He said…
Genesis 37:14He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.”…