שֶׁ֫כֶם (she.khem)
she.khem
Shechem
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shechem, meaning "shoulder" or "back," identifies two distinct men in the tribe of Manasseh recorded in the Old Testament genealogies. The first appears in Numbers 26:31 as the son of Gilead and grandson of Manasseh. He is listed among the descendants who survived the wilderness wanderings, standing alongside brothers such as Abiezer and Hepher.
A second individual with this name appears in 1 Chronicles 7:19. Here he is described as the son of Shemida and brother to Ahian, Likhi, and Aniam. While the sources note these are separate entries within the tribal records, both men share a name that evokes physical strength or the burden of carrying weight.
The biblical text uses this name primarily for genealogical purposes rather than narrative action. It serves to preserve the lineage of Manasseh during the periods of Egyptian slavery and wilderness travel. The repetition of the name in different generations highlights the continuity of the family line as it prepares to enter the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shechem appears in the Old Testament primarily as a marker of lineage within the tribe of Manasseh. It identifies specific men who carried forward the family line through generations, from the wilderness wanderings to the settlement in Canaan. This repetition highlights how God preserves His people across time, ensuring that every branch of the family is remembered and accounted for.
For your faith, this reminds us that our history matters. Each name in Scripture represents a real person whose life contributed to the larger story of redemption. Even when individuals are not named for their heroic deeds, their presence in the genealogy shows that God values every member of His community. You are part of this ongoing story, connected to those who came before and those who will follow.
When you read these lists, consider the quiet faithfulness of ordinary believers. They did not always perform miracles or lead nations, but they remained faithful in their daily lives. This offers comfort that your own steady walk with God is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shechem2×
- Shechem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֔כֶם1×
- וָ/שֶׁ֔כֶם1×
- וְ/שֶׁ֕כֶם1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:31
and Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and Shechem, the family of the Shechemites;
This verse records Shechem among the descendants who survived the wilderness journey, showing the preservation of the tribe during a critical period.
-
Joshua 17:2
So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
Here the family of Shechem is listed alongside others when dividing the land, indicating their established role in the inheritance of Manasseh.