שְׁעַרְיָה (she.ar.yah)
she.ar.yah
Sheariah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sheariah appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8. It identifies a specific man from the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is listed as one of the six sons of Azel and a brother to figures such as Azrikam and Bocheru. These records preserve the lineage of Saul’s extended family, ensuring their names remain part of Israel’s historical memory.
Etymologically, Sheariah combines two Hebrew elements: shaar, meaning "valued" or "precious," and Yah, a short form of the divine name YHWH. The resulting meaning is "valued by Jehovah." This structure reflects a common pattern in biblical naming, where personal identity is tied directly to God’s regard. By bearing this name, the individual’s existence is framed as something held in high esteem by the Lord.
While Sheariah does not play an active role in narrative events, his inclusion in the text highlights the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite culture. The chronicler meticulously records these names to affirm tribal identity and continuity. The name itself serves as a quiet theological statement: even those outside the central royal line are considered precious by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sheariah means "valued by Jehovah." It appears only twice in Scripture, tucked inside the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. These lists often feel dry to modern readers, yet they carry a deep warmth. They remind us that God knows every name and keeps careful track of every life.
Sheariah was part of the tribe of Benjamin, related to King Saul. He is not a hero in any battle story, but his name is preserved with care. This shows that your value does not depend on public fame or dramatic deeds. You are precious simply because God knows you.
In a world that measures worth by achievement, this quiet record offers peace. Your life matters to the Lord, even when no one else notices. His regard for you is steady and true.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Sheariah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/שְׁעַרְיָ֔ה2×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:38
Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
This verse lists Sheariah as one of Azel's six sons, preserving his identity within the tribal lineage of Benjamin.
-
I Chronicles 9:44
Azel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
The repetition of this name in chapter 9 confirms its importance to the chronicler's record of returning exiles and tribal continuity.