שְׁמֹנֶה (she.mo.neh)
she.mo.neh
eight
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 94 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shemoneh denotes the cardinal number eight and its ordinal form, eighth. It appears frequently in the biblical text to record ages, census counts, and measurements, particularly in Genesis, Chronicles, and Nehemiah. The term functions straightforwardly as a numerical descriptor without inherent metaphorical weight in most contexts.
Lexical sources suggest an etymological link to the idea of plumpness or surplus, positioning eight as a quantity exceeding the "perfect" seven. This distinction highlights eight not merely as a count, but as a step beyond completeness into new territory. The word appears in various combinations, such as eighteen or eighty, demonstrating its flexibility in forming larger numbers.
Its usage often anchors historical narratives in concrete reality. For instance, Genesis 17:12 specifies that circumcision must occur on the eighth day, establishing a precise timeline for covenant signs. Similarly, genealogical records in Genesis 5 list ages like Methuselah living for ninety-six years, calculated as eight decades plus six, grounding the text in measurable human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The number eight carries a quiet significance in Scripture, often pointing to new beginnings that follow a period of completion. While seven represents perfection and rest, eight steps beyond into fresh territory. This pattern appears clearly in Genesis 17:12, where circumcision is commanded on the eighth day. It marks the entry of a child into the covenant community, signaling a life lived under God’s promise rather than mere biological existence.
We see this theme of new creation echoed throughout the biblical narrative. After the waters of judgment receded, Noah and his family emerged onto a renewed earth on the eighth day (Genesis 8:13-15). In the New Testament, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is also the eighth day, inaugurating the new creation. This numerical progression reminds us that God’s work often culminates in restoration and renewal.
When we encounter this word in genealogies or census records, it grounds our faith in historical reality. The specific counts of years, cities, or offerings show that God cares about the details of human life. Whether recording the age of a patriarch or the dimensions of the tabernacle, these numbers invite us to trust in a God who is both transcendent and intimately involved in the concrete facts of our world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 94 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ eight37×
- eight26×
- eight-19×
- in/ eight-3×
- [was] eight-3×
- with/ eight2×
- to/ eight1×
- for/ eight-1×
- eight of1×
- eight [sons]1×
- and/ in/ eight1×
- and/ eight-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה10×
- וּ/שְׁמֹנָֽה\׃\ \ס10×
- וּ/שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה6×
- שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה4×
- שְׁמוֹנֶ֥ה4×
- שְׁמֹנֶ֨ה4×
- וּ/שְׁמֹנֶ֖ה4×
- שְׁמֹנָ֥ה3×
- שְׁמֹנָ֣ה3×
- שְׁמֹנַ֣ת3×
- שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה3×
- שְׁמוֹנֶ֤ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 17:12
He who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the house, or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring.
This verse establishes the eighth day as the precise time for covenant circumcision, linking the number to entry into God's people.
-
Genesis 5:4
The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of other sons and daughters.
The record of Adam living eight hundred years after Seth’s birth highlights the longevity and continuity of early human generations.
-
Exodus 26:25
There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
The specification of eight boards for the tabernacle illustrates the ordered structure required for God’s dwelling place among Israel.
-
Numbers 7:8
He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
The gift of eight oxen to the Merarites demonstrates how specific numbers governed the practical service and logistics of the Levitical ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the number eight symbolize in the Bible?
Why does Genesis 17:12 specify eight days for circumcision?
How is eight used in census and building records?
Every Occurrence (94 verses across 16 books)
Genesis 11 verses
The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of other sons…
Genesis 5:7Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of other sons and…
Genesis 5:10Enosh lived after he became the father of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of other sons and…
Genesis 5:13Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of other sons and…
Genesis 5:16Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and…
Genesis 5:17All of the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then he died.
Genesis 5:19Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
Genesis 14:14When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his…
Genesis 17:12He who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the…
Genesis 21:4Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
Genesis 22:23Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.