שַׁעֲרַ֫יִם (sha.a.ra.yim)
sha.a.ra.yim
Shaaraim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Shaaraim, meaning "double gate," refers to a town located in the lowlands of Judah, specifically within the territory assigned to the tribe of Simeon. This place appears in three biblical passages: Joshua 15:36, I Samuel 17:52, and I Chronicles 4:31. Its location in the Shephelah suggests it was a fortified settlement, likely guarding a strategic passage or entrance.
The name itself offers a vivid image of its function or geography. In ancient times, gates were not merely doors but complex defensive structures; a "double gate" implies significant fortification or perhaps two distinct entrances. This aligns with the town's role in biblical narratives, such as when Israelites pursued the Philistines after Goliath’s defeat (I Samuel 17:52), passing through or near this fortified location.
Shaaraim is also identified as another name for Sharuhen (H8287) in some traditions, linking it to broader historical contexts of Judah and Simeon. While its exact ruins remain debated, the name itself serves as a reminder of the physical realities of biblical life—where geography, defense, and tribal identity intersected in tangible ways.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shaaraim means "double gate," pointing to a fortified town in the lowlands of Judah. In ancient times, gates were not just doors but complex defensive structures that protected communities from danger. This word reminds us that God places His people in specific locations with purpose, even when those places seem like mere dots on a map.
When we read about Shaaraim in 1 Samuel 17:52, we see it as part of the path taken after Goliath’s defeat. It shows how ordinary geography becomes part of God’s larger story of deliverance. Your own life has its "gates"—moments of transition, protection, or decision. Trust that God is present in these places, guiding your steps just as He guided Israel through their land.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ in/ Shaaraim1×
- and/ Shaaraim1×
- Shaaraim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁעֲרַ֔יִם1×
- וּֽ/בְ/שַׁעֲרָ֑יִם1×
- וְ/שַׁעֲרַ֙יִם֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:52
The men of Israel and of Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as Gai and to the gates of Ekron. The wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and to Ekron.
This verse highlights Shaaraim as a location where defeated Philistines fell, showing its role in the aftermath of God's victory over Goliath.
-
Joshua 15:36
Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with their villages.
Here, Shaaraim is listed among the cities assigned to Judah, illustrating how tribal inheritance included specific fortified places for settlement and defense.
-
I Chronicles 4:31
at Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susim, at Beth Biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities until David’s reign.
This passage notes that Shaaraim remained a city of the tribe of Simeon until David’s reign, emphasizing its long-term significance in Israel's history.