from שְׁבוּ; exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty; captive(-ity), prisoners, [idiom] take away, that was taken.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉbîy**, represented by `{{H7628}}`, denotes the state of being **exiled** or **captured**. It appears **49 times** across **47 unique verses** in the Bible. As a noun, it can refer to **exile** abstractly, or concretely to a group of **prisoners** or **captives**. By extension, it can also signify **booty** taken in war.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7628}}` is frequently used to describe the consequences of war and judgment. It refers to individuals or groups taken as **prisoners** in battle, such as when king Arad took some of the Israelites [[Numbers 21:1]]. The term is central to the story of Israel's exile, describing the "children of the province that went up out of the **captivity**" under Nebuchadnezzar [[Ezra 2:1]]. This state of **captivity** is presented as a direct result of transgressions, a divine judgment for sin that includes the sword, spoil, and confusion of face [[Ezra 9:7]]. The prophets also speak of a future where Israel's adversaries will go into **captivity** [[Jeremiah 30:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of being captured and exiled:
* `{{H7617}}` **shâbâh** (to transport into captivity): This is the root verb from which **shᵉbîy** is derived, meaning to **lead away** or **take captive**. It is used in the command to Barak to "lead thy captivity **captive**" [[Judges 5:12]].
* `{{H7633}}` **shibyâh** (exile, captives): A feminine form with a nearly identical meaning. It is used in parallel with `{{H7628}}` to describe the fate of Moab's sons and daughters, who are both taken **captives** [[Jeremiah 48:46]].
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (exile, exiles): This word specifically refers to **exile** and the collective body of **exiles**. It appears alongside `{{H7628}}` in the description of those who returned from the Babylonian **captivity**, referring to "those which had been carried away" [[Ezra 2:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7628}}` is significant, illustrating key aspects of God's relationship with humanity.
* **A Consequence of Disobedience:** Captivity is repeatedly presented as a punishment for sin and covenant-breaking. Moses warns that if Israel does not obey, their sons and daughters will "go into **captivity**" [[Deuteronomy 28:41]].
* **An Instrument of Divine Judgment:** God uses earthly powers to execute His judgment. The LORD declares that some are appointed "for the **captivity**, to the **captivity**" [[Jeremiah 15:2]], and that even if His people go into **captivity**, He will command the sword to slay them there for their evil [[Amos 9:4]].
* **A Promise of Restoration and Hope:** Despite being a symbol of judgment, the concept of **captivity** is often paired with a promise of deliverance. God pledges to save His people from "the land of their **captivity**" and bring them back to rest [[Jeremiah 46:27]]. The return of "them that were come again out of the **captivity**" to rebuild is a central theme of redemption [[Nehemiah 8:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7628}}` **shᵉbîy** encapsulates more than the physical state of being a prisoner. It defines the collective experience of exile, the spoils of war, and the profound condition of a people removed from their homeland. As a key term in the story of Israel, it functions as a powerful symbol of divine judgment for sin, national suffering, and the ultimate hope of God's promised restoration.
TRV