from רִיב and בֹּשֶׁת; shame (i.e. the idol) will contend; Jerubbesheth, a symbolic name for Gideon; Jerubbesheth.
Transliteration:Yᵉrubbesheth
Pronunciation:yer-oob-beh'-sheth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת (Yᵉrubbesheth), Strong's number `{{H3380}}`, is a composite name derived from two distinct Hebrew roots: רִיב (riv), meaning "to contend, strive, dispute" (`{{H7378}}`), and בֹּשֶׁת (bosheth), meaning "shame, confusion, disgrace" (`{{H1322}}`). The name literally translates to "shame will contend" or "let shame contend." This is a highly significant symbolic name for Gideon, replacing his more common epithet, Jerubbaal (`{{H3378}}`), which meant "let Baal contend." The substitution of "Baal" with "Bosheth" is not accidental; it represents a deliberate theological polemic. In ancient Near Eastern religious thought, the names of deities were often replaced with pejorative terms to mock or discredit them. Here, "Bosheth" (shame) is used as a derogatory substitute for "Baal" (lord/master), effectively stripping the Canaanite deity of its perceived power and dignity and exposing it as a source of disgrace and futility. The semantic range thus encompasses not merely a personal name, but a profound theological statement against idolatry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת (Yᵉrubbesheth) appears only once in the biblical text, in [[2 Samuel 11:21]]. It is found within the account of David's battle against the Ammonites, specifically in the context of Joab's message to David after Uriah's death. Joab recounts the death of Abimelech, the son of Jerubbesheth, at Thebez. The verse states: "Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?" This reference to "Jerubbesheth" is universally understood to be an alternative name for Gideon, the judge who delivered Israel from the Midianites. Gideon's original actions, particularly his destruction of his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole (recorded in [[Judges 6:25-32]]), earned him the name Jerubbaal, meaning "let Baal contend," because his father declared, "Let Baal contend with him, because he has torn down his altar." The later use of "Jerubbesheth" in 2 Samuel reflects a theological reinterpretation or a common prophetic practice of replacing the name of a false god with "bosheth" (shame) to express disdain and contempt for idolatry. This renaming underscores the Israelites' understanding that Baal worship, far from bringing power or blessing, brought only shame and disgrace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת (Yᵉrubbesheth) is significantly enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **יְרֻבַּעַל (Jerubbaal) `{{H3378}}`**: This is the most direct and crucial related word. It is Gideon's primary epithet, meaning "let Baal contend." The shift from בַּעַל (Baal) to בֹּשֶׁת (Bosheth) in the name highlights the theological polemic.
* **בֹּשֶׁת (bosheth) `{{H1322}}`**: The root meaning "shame, confusion, disgrace" is central to understanding יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת. It signifies the negative consequences and inherent emptiness of idolatry. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the outcome of trusting in false gods or human strength rather than Yahweh.
* **רִיב (riv) `{{H7378}}`**: The verb "to contend, strive" forms the first part of the name, indicating a divine or human dispute. In this context, it suggests a challenge or confrontation with the false deity.
* **בַּעַל (Baal) `{{H1167}}`**: The name of the prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, whose worship often led Israel astray. The renaming of "Baal" to "Bosheth" is a powerful act of theological denigration.
* **Idolatry**: The broader concept of worshiping false gods, which יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת powerfully condemns. The name serves as a mnemonic reminder of the futility and shame associated with turning away from the one true God.
* **Theological Renaming**: This practice is seen elsewhere in the biblical narrative, where names are changed to reflect new realities or theological truths (e.g., Jacob to Israel [[Genesis 32:28]], Abram to Abraham [[Genesis 17:5]]). In the case of יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת, it is a renaming not by divine decree for the individual, but by societal or scribal custom to convey a theological judgment on the false god.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת is profound, serving as a powerful indictment of idolatry and a testament to the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh. By replacing "Baal" with "Bosheth" (shame), the name transforms a potential acknowledgment of a foreign deity's power into a declaration of its utter worthlessness and disgrace.
1. **Denigration of Idolatry**: The name יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת functions as a theological polemic, stripping Baal of any perceived honor or power. It asserts that what is presented as a "lord" (Baal) is, in reality, a source of "shame" (Bosheth). This reflects the biblical worldview that idols are not merely false, but are an abomination and lead to degradation.
2. **Affirmation of Yahweh's Supremacy**: In a spiritual contest where "shame will contend," the implication is that the false god will be revealed as shameful and ultimately defeated. This implicitly upholds the supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel, against whom no false god can stand. It reinforces the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" [[Exodus 20:3]].
3. **Consequences of Apostasy**: The name serves as a stark reminder of the shameful consequences of turning away from God. Those who cling to idols will ultimately find themselves in confusion and disgrace, for their trust is misplaced.
4. **Prophetic Insight**: The use of יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת in 2 Samuel, long after Gideon's time, suggests a continued prophetic and theological understanding that Baal worship was not just a mistake, but a source of deep national shame and spiritual corruption. It encapsulates the biblical writers' consistent message regarding the futility and spiritual danger of worshiping anything other than the one true God.
### Summary
יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת (Yᵉrubbesheth, `{{H3380}}`) is a symbolic Hebrew name for Gideon, meaning "shame will contend." It is a derivative of his more common name, Jerubbaal (`{{H3378}}`, "let Baal contend"), where the divine name "Baal" (`{{H1167}}`) is deliberately replaced with "Bosheth" (`{{H1322}}`), meaning "shame." This theological renaming, found in [[2 Samuel 11:21]], serves as a powerful polemic against idolatry. It exposes the Canaanite deity Baal as a source of disgrace and futility, rather than a legitimate object of worship. The name underscores the biblical understanding that idols are inherently shameful and powerless, and that true honor and sovereignty belong exclusively to Yahweh. It highlights the profound theological truth that reliance on false gods leads only to confusion and dishonor, reinforcing the call to exclusive devotion to the God of Israel.
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