or שֶׁבְנָה; from an unused root meaning to grow; growth; Shebna or Shebnah, an Israelite; Shebna, Shebnah.
Transliteration:Shebnâʼ
Pronunciation:sheb-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שֶׁבְנָא (Shebnâʼ), Strong's H7644, is derived from an unused root signifying "to grow." Consequently, its base definition is "growth." However, in its biblical occurrences, it functions exclusively as a proper noun, referring to an individual named Shebna or Shebnah. While the etymological meaning of "growth" might suggest prosperity or development, the character associated with this name in the biblical narrative presents a stark contrast to such positive connotations, highlighting an ironic tension between name and destiny. The name itself does not carry a broad semantic range beyond its etymological root and its function as a personal identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shebna (H7644) appears primarily in the book of Isaiah, where he is a prominent figure in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. His initial position is that of "steward" or "treasurer" (סֹכֵן, *soken*, `{{H5538}}`) of the royal household, a role of significant authority and trust, as seen in [[Isaiah 22:15]].
The most significant passage concerning Shebna is [[Isaiah 22:15-25]], where the prophet Isaiah delivers a direct oracle against him. God, through Isaiah, condemns Shebna for his pride, self-aggrandizement, and misuse of his powerful position. He is rebuked for "hewing out a tomb on the height" and "carving a resting place for himself in the rock" ([[Isaiah 22:16]]), indicating a focus on his own legacy and earthly security rather than on God's will or the welfare of the nation during a time of national crisis (likely the Assyrian threat). The divine judgment against Shebna is severe: he will be violently hurled from his office, exiled, and his chariots of glory will become a source of shame ([[Isaiah 22:17-18]]). Furthermore, God declares that Shebna will be replaced by Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who will be given Shebna's authority and serve as a "father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" ([[Isaiah 22:20-21]]).
Later, Shebna is mentioned in a slightly diminished role, no longer the steward but the "scribe" (סֹפֵר, *sopher*, `{{H5608}}`), when he is part of the delegation sent by Hezekiah to consult Isaiah regarding the Assyrian siege led by Sennacherib ([[Isaiah 36:3]], [[Isaiah 36:11]], [[Isaiah 36:22]], [[Isaiah 37:2]]). This shift in role from chief steward to scribe suggests that the prophecy of his demotion and replacement by Eliakim (who is now steward) has already begun to be fulfilled. His presence in these later passages underscores his continued, albeit lesser, involvement in affairs of state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Shebna (H7644) naturally connects to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Stewardship and Leadership:** Shebna's position as "steward" (סֹכֵן, *soken*, `{{H5538}}`) highlights the biblical theme of accountability for those entrusted with authority. His failure serves as a negative example of stewardship, contrasting with ideal leaders who serve God and their people faithfully.
* **Pride (גָּאוֹן, *ga'on*, `{{H1346}}`):** Shebna's downfall is explicitly linked to his pride and self-exaltation, particularly his ambition to establish a grand tomb. This resonates with numerous biblical warnings against pride, which is consistently depicted as an abomination to God and a precursor to destruction (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:18]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The narrative demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, especially over the appointment and removal of leaders. Shebna's dismissal is not merely a political maneuver but a direct divine judgment.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The specific and detailed prophecy against Shebna in [[Isaiah 22]] and its subsequent apparent fulfillment (his demotion and Eliakim's elevation) underscore the reliability of God's word through His prophets.
* **Contrast with Eliakim:** Eliakim, whose name means "God raises up" or "God establishes," serves as a powerful foil to Shebna. While Shebna seeks to establish his own legacy, Eliakim is divinely established and described in terms that evoke a messianic shadow, bearing the "key of the house of David" ([[Isaiah 22:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The story of Shebna (H7644) carries profound theological significance:
* **God's Authority Over Human Leadership:** Shebna's removal vividly illustrates that all human authority is ultimately derived from and subject to God's ultimate authority. Leaders, even those in high positions, are accountable to God for their actions and attitudes. This serves as a timeless warning against the abuse of power.
* **The Danger of Self-Exaltation:** Shebna's pride and focus on building his own legacy rather than serving God's purposes led to his downfall. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ([[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]]). True "growth" (the meaning of his name) in God's economy is spiritual and humble, not worldly and self-aggrandizing.
* **Divine Justice and Discipline:** The judgment against Shebna is a clear demonstration of God's justice. He does not tolerate unrighteousness, especially among those entrusted with significant responsibility. This also serves as a reminder that God disciplines those whom He loves, seeking their repentance or removal for the sake of His greater plan.
* **The Nature of True Service:** In contrast to Shebna's self-serving ambition, Eliakim's appointment highlights the qualities of a divinely appointed leader: one who is a "father" to his people, trustworthy, and a "peg in a firm place" ([[Isaiah 22:23-24]]), signifying stability and support for the community. This underscores the theological ideal of leadership as selfless service.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֶׁבְנָא (Shebnâʼ), Strong's H7644, etymologically means "growth" but is known exclusively as the name of a prominent official in King Hezekiah's court. Shebna's story, primarily detailed in [[Isaiah 22]], serves as a powerful biblical example of divine judgment against prideful and self-serving leadership. Despite his high position as steward, God, through Isaiah, condemned Shebna for his arrogance and ambition to establish his own earthly legacy. He was prophesied to be, and subsequently was, removed from his office and replaced by Eliakim, a more humble and divinely appointed servant. The narrative of Shebna thus underscores several critical theological truths: God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and leadership, the severe consequences of pride and self-exaltation, and the importance of humble, God-centered stewardship over worldly ambition. The irony of his name "growth" stands in stark contrast to his spiritual and positional decline.
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