שֶׁבַע
𐤔𐤁𐤏
shebaʻ
H7652 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
(A) The cardinal number seven, indicating the quantity 'seven' in counting or enumeration. (B) A proper noun referring to named locations (Sheba) and individuals in the Hebrew Bible. The term שֶׁבַע functions both as a numeral (seven) and, in certain instances, as a theophoric or symbolic name (Sheba). The semantic range covers the number itself, as well as the name of a place or person named Sheba, often with different etymological or contextual backgrounds.
Semantic Range
the cardinal number seven; completeness, fullness or sacredness associated with the number seven; Sheba (name of a region or kingdom, especially in South Arabia); Sheba (personal name, including Israelite individuals)
Root / Etymology
From the root שׁבע (shin-bet-ayin), which carries meanings related to the number seven, swearing an oath, or fulfillment. In the context of שֶׁבַע, the meaning relates most directly to the numeral 'seven.' The use as a personal or place name may derive from associations with the number itself or with oath-taking, but specifics may vary by context and are sometimes uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, שֶׁבַע is the regular word for 'seven' and appears throughout as a cardinal number. Its symbolic significance is notable; 'seven' often expresses completeness, fullness, or sacredness (e.g., seven days of creation, seven sprinklings in ritual contexts, sevenfold vengeance, etc.). As a proper noun, שֶׁבַע (Sheba) functions as the name of a southern territory or kingdom (notably associated with trade and wealth, cf. 1 Kings 10; Isaiah 60:6), as well as the personal name of two different Israelites: Sheba son of Bichri (a Benjaminite who led a revolt, 2 Sam 20:1) and Sheba, a descendant of Joktan (Genesis 10:28). The onomastic (name) usage may reflect a different etymology or preserve an independent tradition, possibly linked to themes of fullness or oath. Later English Bibles sometimes transliterate as 'Sheba' in onomastic contexts and translate as 'seven' in numerical contexts, but this does not always capture the symbolic overtones present in Hebrew usage. Aramaic and later translations largely reflect the same range.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as שֶׁבַע; seven; Sheba, the name of a place in Palestine, and of two Israelites; Sheba.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שבע (š-b-ʿ) — fullness, completeness, satisfaction, oath-taking
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1339 | בַּת־שֶׁבַע | seven |
| H3090 | יְהוֹשַׁבְעַת | YHWH-has-sworn |
| H7620 | שָׁבוּעַ | in your seven-cycles |
| H7621 | שְׁבוּעָה | by oath-of |
| H7637 | שְׁבִיעִי | in the seventh |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7652-01 |
שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven | 8 |
H7652-02 |
וְ/שֶׁ֖בַע | vesheva | HC/Acfsa |
and Sheba | and seven | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7652-02 |
Joshua 19:2 | וְ/שֶׁ֖בַע | vesheva | HC/Acfsa |
and Sheba | and seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:1 | שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:2 | שֶׁ֣בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:6 | שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:7 | שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:10 | שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:13 | שֶׁ֥בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:21 | שֶׁ֧בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
Sheba | seven |
H7652-01 |
2 Samuel 20:22 | שֶׁ֤בַע | sheva | HAcfsa |
of Sheba | seven |
H7652-02 |
1 Chronicles 5:13 | וְ֠/שֶׁבַע | vesheva | HC/Acfsa |
and Sheba | and seven |