lemma חַשְּׁוּב extra sheva, corrected to חַשּׁוּב; from חָשַׁב; intelligent; Chashshub, the name of two or three Israelites; Hashub, Hasshub.
Transliteration:Chashshûwb
Pronunciation:khash-shoob'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חַשּׁוּב (Chashshûwb), Strong's H2815, is a proper noun derived from the verb חָשַׁב (chashav, `{{H2803}}`). The root חָשַׁב carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts such as "to think," "to devise," "to reckon," "to account," "to plan," and "to imagine." As a passive participle or a noun indicating a quality, חַשּׁוּב therefore implies someone who is "thoughtful," "intelligent," "esteemed," or "reckoned/accounted worthy." In the context of a personal name, it likely signifies an individual possessing these admirable qualities or one who is held in high regard by the community. While the name itself does not denote a specific action, it reflects a character trait or a status of being valued.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חַשּׁוּב (Chashshûwb) appears in the post-exilic books of Chronicles and Nehemiah, identifying at least three distinct individuals who played roles in the rebuilding and re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.
1. **A Levite, father of Shemaiah**: This Chashshûwb is mentioned twice in genealogical lists of those who returned from exile and settled in Jerusalem.
* In [[1 Chronicles 9:14]], he is identified as the father of Shemaiah, a Levite of the sons of Merari. This context is a detailed registry of those dwelling in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity, highlighting the re-establishment of the temple service.
* Similarly, [[Nehemiah 11:15]] repeats this lineage, listing Shemaiah the son of Chashshûwb among the Levites residing in Jerusalem. This further underscores his family's connection to the Levitical service and the organized life of the restored community.
2. **A repairer of the wall**: In [[Nehemiah 3:23]], Chashshûwb is noted as one of the individuals involved in the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is specifically mentioned as repairing "over against their house" alongside Benjamin, indicating a personal investment and commitment to the communal effort. This act of physical reconstruction was vital for the security and identity of the returned exiles, and Chashshûwb's participation signifies his practical contribution and dedication.
3. **A chief of the people who sealed the covenant**: [[Nehemiah 10:11]] lists Chashshûwb among the "chiefs of the people" who affixed their seals to the solemn covenant made by the community to walk in God's law and observe His commandments. This covenant renewal was a pivotal moment of spiritual commitment and national identity. Chashshûwb's presence among the signers indicates his leadership, influence, and personal devotion to the Torah and the restoration of faithful living.
In all occurrences, the individuals named Chashshûwb are depicted as active participants in the vital processes of post-exilic restoration, whether in the sacred service of the Levites, the communal labor of rebuilding, or the spiritual act of covenant renewal. Their presence in these significant roles aligns well with the implied meaning of their name as "intelligent," "esteemed," or "accounted worthy."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for חַשּׁוּב (Chashshûwb) is its root verb חָשַׁב (chashav, `{{H2803}}`). This root is foundational to understanding the conceptual field surrounding the name.
* **חָשַׁב (chashav, `{{H2803}}`)**: "to think, devise, reckon, account, plan." This verb is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe intellectual activity, strategic planning, and the act of valuing or imputing. For instance, in [[Genesis 15:6]], Abraham's faith is "reckoned" to him as righteousness, highlighting the idea of being accounted worthy.
* **מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashabah, `{{H4284}}`)**: "thought, device, plan." This noun, also derived from חָשַׁב, emphasizes the outcome of thinking, whether for good (e.g., God's plans for peace in [[Jeremiah 29:11]]) or for evil (e.g., wicked devices in [[Psalm 140:2]]).
* **חֶשְׁבּוֹן (cheshbon, `{{H2808}}`)**: "reckoning, account, invention." This term refers to calculation or a well-thought-out design, as seen in [[Ecclesiastes 7:25]] regarding the "reason" or "account" of things.
The concepts associated with חַשּׁוּב thus extend to:
* **Wisdom and Discernment**: The ability to think clearly and make sound judgments.
* **Diligence and Purposefulness**: The capacity to plan and execute tasks, whether physical (like building) or spiritual (like covenant-keeping).
* **Esteem and Value**: The idea of being considered important or worthy, reflecting a positive standing within the community.
* **Faithfulness and Commitment**: Particularly evident in the covenant signer, demonstrating a thoughtful and deliberate adherence to divine principles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חַשּׁוּב (Chashshûwb), though a proper noun, lies in the implications of its etymology and the roles played by those bearing the name.
Firstly, the very notion of being "intelligent" or "esteemed" (חַשּׁוּב) aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom and discernment as gifts from God and virtues to be cultivated. God Himself is portrayed as the ultimate "thinker" and "deviser" of creation and salvation history. For humans, to be חַשּׁוּב in character suggests a mind aligned with divine wisdom, capable of contributing meaningfully to God's purposes.
Secondly, the individuals named Chashshûwb in the post-exilic period exemplify the dedicated and thoughtful service required for the restoration of God's people. Their involvement in the Levitical order, the rebuilding of the wall, and the sealing of the covenant highlights that God uses individuals who are "reckoned" or "accounted" as valuable contributors to His kingdom. Their actions were not merely physical labor but acts of faith and obedience, demonstrating a thoughtful commitment to God's commands and the well-being of the community.
Finally, the name חַשּׁוּב can be seen as a reflection of God's valuing of His people. Just as these individuals were "esteemed" within their community for their contributions, so too does God "reckon" or "account" the faithful service of His children. The concept of being "accounted righteous" through faith (as seen with חָשַׁב in [[Genesis 15:6]]) underscores that God's estimation of His people is profound and redemptive. The lives of the חַשּׁוּב individuals serve as quiet testimonies to the importance of thoughtful, dedicated, and covenant-keeping service in the divine economy.
### Summary
חַשּׁוּב (Chashshûwb, `{{H2815}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root חָשַׁב (chashav, `{{H2803}}`), signifying someone who is "intelligent," "thoughtful," or "esteemed." This name is borne by at least three distinct individuals in the post-exilic biblical narratives. One Chashshûwb was a Levite, father of Shemaiah, appearing in the genealogies of those resettling Jerusalem ([[1 Chronicles 9:14]], [[Nehemiah 11:15]]). Another Chashshûwb was a diligent participant in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall, repairing a section near his own house ([[Nehemiah 3:23]]). A third Chashshûwb was among the prominent "chiefs of the people" who solemnly sealed the covenant to uphold God's law ([[Nehemiah 10:11]]). These occurrences consistently portray individuals who were actively involved in the spiritual and physical restoration of the Jewish community. The name's inherent meaning aligns with their roles, suggesting that they were considered valuable, thoughtful, and capable contributors to God's purposes. The theological implication is that God values and uses those who are discerning, purposeful, and faithfully committed to His work, reckoning their service as significant in His divine plan.
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