### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term shᵉbaṭ (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}`) directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word shēbeṭ (שֵׁבֶט, `{{H7626}}`). Its primary semantic range encompasses "clan" and "tribe." This denotes a fundamental division within a larger people group, typically united by common ancestry, shared heritage, and often a designated territory. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a tribe represented a significant socio-political and familial unit, embodying collective identity and continuity. While its Hebrew counterpart carries the additional meaning of "rod," "staff," or "scepter," the Aramaic shᵉbaṭ exclusively refers to the tribal or familial division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic shᵉbaṭ (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the Book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 6:17]]: "And they offered for the dedication of this house of God a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel."
In this singular occurrence, the word is used in a profoundly significant context: the dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. The offering of twelve male goats, "according to the number of the tribes of Israel," underscores the enduring identity and unity of the Israelite people, even after the Babylonian exile and the return of only a remnant. This act symbolically re-establishes the connection to the historical twelve tribes descended from Jacob, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people despite their dispersion and the passage of generations. It highlights a conscious effort by the returning exiles to reclaim and honor their full national and spiritual heritage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is the Hebrew shēbeṭ (שֵׁבֶט, `{{H7626}}`), from which the Aramaic shᵉbaṭ (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}`) derives its meaning. The Hebrew term is far more prevalent, occurring hundreds of times and carrying the dual meaning of "tribe" and "rod/staff/scepter." This dual meaning often intertwines, as the staff or scepter was a symbol of tribal authority and leadership. Other related concepts include:
* **Matteh (מַטֶּה, `{{H4294}}`):** Another Hebrew word frequently translated as "tribe" or "staff," often used interchangeably with shēbeṭ in the sense of a tribal division (e.g., the tribes of Israel).
* **Lineage and Genealogy:** The concept of a tribe is intrinsically linked to ancestral descent, tracing back to a common patriarch (e.g., the sons of Jacob).
* **Inheritance and Territory:** Each tribe was typically allotted a specific portion of land in Canaan, establishing their identity and economic base (e.g., Joshua's division of the land).
* **National Identity and Covenant:** The tribal structure was foundational to Israel's identity as a nation chosen by Yahweh, bound by covenant.
* **Unity and Division:** While tribes represented divisions, they were also intended to function as a unified people under God, though internal rivalries and divisions often emerged.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "tribe" (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}` and its Hebrew counterpart) holds profound theological significance in the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Ordering:** The division of Israel into twelve tribes was not merely a sociological phenomenon but a divinely ordained structure, rooted in the patriarchal blessings of Jacob and the subsequent organization under Moses. This structure reflected God's plan for His chosen people.
2. **Covenantal Identity:** The tribal system solidified Israel's identity as a distinct people, bound by God's covenant. Each tribe bore a unique name and history, yet together they formed "all Israel," the recipient of God's promises.
3. **Continuity of Promise:** The singular use of shᵉbaṭ (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}`) in [[Ezra 6:17]] powerfully attests to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, even after the devastating experience of exile. The offering of sacrifices for "the tribes of Israel" signifies a spiritual and historical reconnection to the full body of God's people, affirming that the divine promises were still active and encompassing.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The tribal framework extends into eschatological visions, such as the twelve tribes appearing in Revelation, symbolizing the completeness of God's redeemed people (e.g., Revelation 7:4-8). This underscores the eternal relevance of Israel's foundational structure in God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Aramaic term shᵉbaṭ (שְׁבַט, `{{H7625}}`) serves as a direct linguistic counterpart to the Hebrew shēbeṭ (שֵׁבֶט, `{{H7626}}`), signifying a "clan" or "tribe." Its singular appearance in [[Ezra 6:17]] is highly significant, highlighting the enduring identity of the twelve tribes of Israel even after the Babylonian exile. In this context, the word underscores the continuity of God's covenant with His people and their persistent connection to their divine heritage. While limited in its own occurrences, shᵉbaṭ points to a foundational concept in biblical theology: the divinely ordered tribal structure of Israel, which served as the framework for their national identity, covenant relationship with God, and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes throughout history.
TRV