from בַּת and שׁוֹעַ; daughter of wealth; the same as בַּת־שֶׁבַע; Bath-shua,; Bath-shua.
Transliteration:Bath-Shûwaʻ
Pronunciation:bath-shoo'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בַּת־שׁוּעַ (Bath-Shûwaʻ), Strong's number `{{H1340}}`, is a compound proper noun. It is derived from two components: בַּת (bath), meaning "daughter" (`{{H1323}}`), and שׁוֹעַ (shoa), which signifies "wealthy," "noble," or "generous" (related to `{{H7770}}`, indicating a state of being affluent or free). Thus, the literal meaning of Bath-Shûwaʻ is "Daughter of Wealth" or "Daughter of Nobility." This name, while descriptive, functions primarily as a personal appellation. The definition explicitly states that it is "the same as בַּת־שֶׁבַע" (Bath-sheba, `{{H1339}}`), indicating that `{{H1340}}` refers to the identical individual known more commonly by the name Bath-sheba in other biblical texts. Its semantic range is therefore limited to identifying this specific person in biblical genealogy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name בַּת־שׁוּעַ (Bath-Shûwaʻ, `{{H1340}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles.
* **[[1 Chronicles 3:5]]**: "And these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four by Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel."
In this context, Bath-shua is identified as the mother of Solomon, Nathan, Shimea, and Shobab. This verse is part of a detailed genealogy of David's descendants, particularly those born to him in Jerusalem. The mention of "Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel" unequivocally links this individual to the woman known as Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam (a variant of Ammiel) in the books of Samuel and Kings ([[2 Samuel 11:3]]). The Chronicler's use of Bath-shua here, as opposed to the more prevalent Bath-sheba, represents a scribal or traditional variation in the spelling or pronunciation of the name, yet it refers to the same pivotal figure in the Davidic lineage. The genealogical context emphasizes the continuity of the royal line and the divinely ordained succession through Solomon.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to בַּת־שׁוּעַ (Bath-Shûwaʻ, `{{H1340}}`) is **בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bath-sheba, `{{H1339}}`)**. As noted in the base definition, these two names refer to the same person. The variation likely stems from different traditions of transcription or pronunciation. While Bath-shua emphasizes "daughter of wealth/nobility," Bath-sheba means "daughter of seven" or "daughter of an oath." Both names carry a certain dignity, though their specific nuances differ.
Other related terms include:
* **בַּת (bath, `{{H1323}}`)**: The common Hebrew word for "daughter," forming the first part of the compound name. This root is fundamental to understanding the familial aspect of the name.
* **שׁוֹעַ (shoa, related to `{{H7770}}`)**: The root from which the second part of Bath-shua is derived, conveying "wealth," "nobility," or "freedom." This element suggests a person of significant standing or perhaps one who brings prosperity.
* **Genealogy and Lineage**: The context of `{{H1340}}` in [[1 Chronicles 3:5]] connects it to the broader biblical theme of divine covenant and the tracing of lineage, especially the Davidic line, which is crucial for understanding the messianic promises.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בַּת־שׁוּעַ (Bath-Shûwaʻ, `{{H1340}}`) is inextricably linked to the figure of Bath-sheba, the mother of Solomon. Her inclusion in the royal genealogy of David, despite the controversial circumstances of her union with the king, underscores several profound theological truths:
1. **God's Sovereignty in Human History**: The divine plan for the Davidic dynasty and the eventual coming of the Messiah was not derailed by human sin or complex situations. God works through imperfect individuals and unforeseen circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
2. **Grace and Redemption**: Bath-sheba's story, particularly as recorded in Samuel, involves sin, repentance, and divine forgiveness. Her continued presence in the lineage, and specifically as the mother of Solomon, signifies God's grace that redeems and restores, even within the context of human failure.
3. **The Messianic Line**: As the mother of Solomon, Bath-shua/Bath-sheba is a crucial link in the Davidic covenant, through which the promise of an eternal kingdom and the ultimate Messiah would be fulfilled ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). Her name, "Daughter of Wealth," could subtly allude to the spiritual riches and blessings that would flow from her lineage through Solomon.
4. **Inclusivity in God's Plan**: The genealogies of Scripture often highlight God's inclusion of diverse individuals, even those with complicated pasts, in His grand redemptive narrative.
### Summary
בַּת־שׁוּעַ (Bath-Shûwaʻ, `{{H1340}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Daughter of Wealth" or "Daughter of Nobility." It is a variant spelling of בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bath-sheba, `{{H1339}}`) and refers to the same individual. This name appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 3:5]], where it identifies the mother of King Solomon within David's royal genealogy. The specific context of its lone occurrence emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic line, crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Theologically, Bath-shua's presence in the lineage underscores divine sovereignty, grace, and the unwavering progression of God's redemptive plan through human history, ultimately pointing towards the coming of the Messiah.
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