### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shibyâh**, represented by `{{H7633}}`, denotes **exile** or **captives**. As the feminine form of `{{H7628}}`, it appears 9 times in 9 unique verses. The term can refer abstractly to the state of captivity or concretely to a group of people taken as captives, often as a consequence of war and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7633}}` is used to describe the fate of people following military defeat and as a form of punishment. After the king of Israel smote Judah, they carried away a "great multitude of them **captives**" [[2 Chronicles 28:5]]. This state of captivity is also seen as a consequence of God's wrath, with God's arrows being made drunk with the blood "of the slain and of the **captives**" [[Deuteronomy 32:42]]. The term is not merely abstract; it encompasses the human reality of being taken, as when the law considers seeing a "beautiful woman among the **captives**" [[Deuteronomy 21:11]]. In a prayer of imprecation, Nehemiah asks God to "give them for a prey in the land of **captivity**" [[Nehemiah 4:4]], highlighting captivity as a form of deep reproach.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of captivity:
* `{{H7617}}` **shâbâh** (to transport into captivity): This is the verb form that describes the action of taking captives. It is used to describe how the king of Syria "carried away" a multitude [[2 Chronicles 28:5]].
* `{{H7628}}` **shᵉbîy** (exiled; captured; as noun, exile): This is the masculine counterpart to `{{H7633}}`. The two words are used together to show the totality of a nation's capture, as when Moab's "sons are taken **captives** `{{H7628}}`, and thy daughters **captives** `{{H7633}}`" [[Jeremiah 48:46]].
* `{{H961}}` **bizzâh** (booty; prey, spoil): This word often appears alongside `{{H7633}}`, linking the capture of people with the seizure of goods. The armed men in Israel were told to leave "the **captives** and the **spoil**" before the princes [[2 Chronicles 28:14]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (to turn back, return): This word is used both for the command to "deliver the **captives** again" [[2 Chronicles 28:11]] and for the action of turning reproach upon one's enemies [[Nehemiah 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7633}}` is significant, primarily illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the nature of divine justice.
* **A Consequence of Divine Judgment:** Captivity is frequently presented as a direct outcome of sin and God's "fierce wrath" ([[2 Chronicles 28:11]], [[2 Chronicles 28:13]]). The LORD `{{H3068}}` is the one who delivers the king of Judah into the hands of his enemies [[2 Chronicles 28:5]].
* **The Object of God's Action:** The state of being captives is an instrument of God's judgment against nations. In a song of judgment, God declares his sword will devour the flesh of the slain and the **captives** [[Deuteronomy 32:42]]. Similarly, the people of the false god Chemosh `{{H3645}}` perish as their sons and daughters are taken into captivity [[Jeremiah 48:46]].
* **An Occasion for Mercy:** The plight of the captives provides a setting for repentance and compassion. In response to a warning about their own great trespass `{{H819}}` against the LORD, the men of Israel took the **captives** `{{H7633}}`, clothed them, fed them, anointed them, and returned them to their brethren in Jericho [[2 Chronicles 28:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7633}}` is a term that encapsulates the harsh reality of exile and being taken captive. It functions within scripture as a tangible symbol of divine judgment for sin and unfaithfulness. However, it also serves as a critical backdrop for demonstrating mercy, as the proper response of God's people towards the afflicted, even those captured in war, is one of compassion and restoration.
TRV