### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉrubbesheth**, represented by `{{H3380}}`, is a symbolic name for Gideon. Derived from roots meaning "to contend" and "shame," its full meaning is "shame (i.e. the idol) will contend." This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage highly specific and significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3380}}` is in [[2 Samuel 11:21]]. The context is a report being given to King David about a battle. The speaker recounts the death of **Abimelech** `{{H40}}`, who is identified as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Jerubbesheth**. His death occurred when a **woman** `{{H802}}` **cast** `{{H7993}}` a **piece** `{{H6400}}` of a **millstone** `{{H7393}}` down from a **wall** `{{H2346}}` in the town of **Thebez** `{{H8405}}`, killing him. This recollection serves as a strategic part of a message that also informs David of the death of his **servant** `{{H5650}}`, **Uriah** `{{H223}}` the **Hittite** `{{H2850}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words within its only context help clarify its meaning and narrative role:
* `{{H40}}` **'Ăbîymelek** (father of (the) king): This is the name of the man whose lineage is tied to Jerubbesheth. His story is the immediate subject of the verse where `{{H3380}}` is found [[2 Samuel 11:21]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes the direct familial link, explicitly stating that Abimelech is the "son of Jerubbesheth" [[2 Samuel 11:21]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This root verb describes the action that led to Abimelech's death. The verse asks, "Who smote Abimelech?" [[2 Samuel 11:21]], setting the stage for the account of his demise.
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word confirms the fatal result of the event, noting that Abimelech **died** `{{H4191}}` in Thebez [[2 Samuel 11:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3380}}` is found in its symbolism. Though it appears only once, its meaning is profound.
* **Symbolic Rebuke of Idolatry:** The name itself, "shame (i.e. the idol) will contend," is a deliberate theological statement. It replaces the name of an idol with the word "shame," directly associating idol worship with disgrace.
* **Consequence of Lineage:** By identifying Abimelech as the "son of Jerubbesheth," the narrative links his violent death to a legacy defined by shame and contention with idols. This subtly frames his downfall as a consequence of this heritage.
* **Divine Justice:** The use of this name in the recounting of Abimelech's death serves as a reminder that actions and associations, particularly those involving idolatry, have lasting consequences that lead to ruin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3380}}` **Yᵉrubbesheth** is a rare but potent biblical word. Its single use as a symbolic name for Gideon in the context of his son Abimelech's death carries immense theological weight. It transforms a historical report into a moral lesson on the futility and disgrace of idolatry, showing how "shame" ultimately contends against and overcomes those associated with false gods.
TRV