or שְׁבִעִי; ordinal from שִׁבְעִים; seventh; seventh (time).
Transliteration:shᵉbîyʻîy
Pronunciation:sheb-ee-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, `{{H7637}}`) functions as an ordinal number, meaning "seventh." It is derived directly from the cardinal number שֶׁבַע (sheva, `{{H7651}}`), meaning "seven." The semantic range of שְׁבִיעִי is primarily quantitative, denoting position in a sequence (the seventh item, day, year, etc.). However, given the profound theological significance of the number "seven" in biblical thought—often symbolizing completeness, perfection, divine order, and covenant—the ordinal "seventh" frequently carries these deeper connotations, marking a culminating point, a cycle's end, or a divinely appointed moment. It marks the point of rest, sanctification, or completion within a divinely established pattern.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy) are foundational to understanding key biblical concepts:
* **Creation and Divine Rest:** The most prominent usage is in the creation narrative, where God completes His work and rests on the "seventh day" ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]). This establishes a divine pattern for human activity and rest, imbuing the seventh day with sacred significance.
* **Sabbath Command:** This pattern is codified in the Mosaic Law, where the "seventh day" is commanded as the Sabbath, a day of rest and holiness for Israel ([[Exodus 20:10]]). This command is reiterated frequently, emphasizing its perpetual nature as a sign of the covenant between God and His people ([[Exodus 31:15]]).
* **Cycles of Time:** The concept extends beyond the daily cycle to larger periods:
* The "seventh year" (שְׁנַת שַׁבָּתוֹן, *shabbatown*, a year of solemn rest) was a Sabbatical year (*shemittah*) during which the land was to lie fallow and debts were to be remitted ([[Leviticus 25:4]]).
* The "seventh month" (Tishrei) was particularly significant, hosting major festivals such as the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths ([[Leviticus 23:24, 23:27, 23:34]]).
* **Ritual and Purification:** The "seventh" often denotes the completion of a purification or consecration ritual. For instance, Naaman was instructed to dip himself "seven times" in the Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy ([[2 Kings 5:10, 5:14]]).
* **Divine Action and Judgment:** In narratives of divine intervention, the "seventh" can mark a climactic moment. The fall of Jericho involved marching for "seven days," with the walls falling on the "seventh day" after the "seventh" circuit ([[Joshua 6:15-16]]). This illustrates God's precise timing and the culmination of His plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, `{{H7637}}`) is intrinsically linked to a cluster of related concepts and words that underscore its theological weight:
* **שֶׁבַע (sheva, `{{H7651}}`):** The cardinal number "seven," from which "seventh" is derived. This root number is pervasive throughout Scripture, often signifying completeness, perfection, or divine fullness.
* **שָׁבַת (shabat, `{{H7673}}`):** The verb "to cease, to rest," which is the root of "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, *shabbat*). This direct etymological link highlights the primary association of the "seventh" with divine rest and cessation from labor.
* **שָׁבוּעַ (shavu'a, `{{H7620}}`):** Meaning "week," a period of seven days. This word reinforces the cyclical nature of time as structured by God.
* **יובל (yovel, `{{H3104}}`):** The "Jubilee" year, which occurs after seven cycles of seven years (the 50th year). This concept expands the "seventh" principle to a grander scale of release, restoration, and return to original order.
* **Concepts of Completeness and Covenant:** The recurring motif of "seven" and "seventh" throughout the Bible (e.g., seven spirits of God, seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls in Revelation) points to a divinely ordained order, the culmination of God's plans, or the finality of His judgments. It is a number deeply embedded in covenantal theology, marking the perfection of God's relationship with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, `{{H7637}}`) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Blueprint for Time and Rest:** The "seventh day" of creation establishes God's own pattern of work and rest, which He then hallows and commands for humanity. This is not merely a cessation of activity but a sanctified time, set apart for acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision ([[Genesis 2:3]]).
* **Covenantal Sign:** The Sabbath, based on the "seventh day" principle, becomes a perpetual sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel, distinguishing them as His chosen people and reminding them of His creative and redemptive power ([[Exodus 31:16-17]]). It is a weekly reminder of God's Lordship over time and human life.
* **Anticipation of Eschatological Rest:** The earthly Sabbath and Sabbatical cycles point forward to a greater, ultimate rest. The "seventh" principle hints at an eschatological Sabbath, a future state of perfect rest and fellowship with God, often associated with the Messianic age or the new heavens and new earth ([[Hebrews 4:9-11]]).
* **Divine Order and Perfection:** The consistent appearance of "seventh" in various contexts—from purification rites to the structure of prophetic visions—underscores God's meticulous order, His complete control, and the perfection of His redemptive and judgmental plans. The "seventh" often marks the climax or the completion of a divine process.
* **Dependence on God:** The Sabbatical year, resting the land every "seventh year," taught Israel to trust in God's provision rather than their own labor, reinforcing their dependence on Him for sustenance and blessing ([[Leviticus 25:20-22]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, `{{H7637}}`), meaning "seventh," is an ordinal number derived from "seven" (שֶׁבַע, `{{H7651}}`). Its significance extends far beyond mere enumeration, embodying profound theological concepts. Primarily, it marks the divine pattern of rest and sanctification, most notably established on the "seventh day" of creation and codified in the Sabbath command. This "seventh" principle permeates biblical law and narrative, structuring cycles of time (Sabbatical years, Jubilee) and signifying the completion of rituals or divine actions. Theologically, שְׁבִיעִי points to God's perfect order, His sovereignty over time, the nature of His covenant with humanity, and the anticipation of ultimate rest and fulfillment in His presence. It consistently marks a point of culmination, sacred cessation, or divine perfection within God's unfolding plan.
TRV