### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shebnâʼ**, represented by `{{H7644}}`, is the name of an Israelite official. From an unused root meaning to grow, the name is defined as **growth**. It appears **9 times** in **9 unique verses**, and its bearer is identified in scripture as a **treasurer** `{{H5532}}` and a **scribe** `{{H5608}}` in the royal court ([[Isaiah 22:15]], [[2 Kings 18:18]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shebna's appearances in the biblical narrative place him as a high-ranking official during the reign of King **Hezekiah** `{{H2396}}`. He is consistently mentioned alongside other officials, primarily **Eliakim** `{{H471}}` the son of **Hilkiah** `{{H2518}}` and **Joah** `{{H3098}}` the son of **Asaph** `{{H623}}` [[2 Kings 18:18]]. As part of a delegation sent by Hezekiah, Shebna confronted the Assyrian official **Rabshakeh** `{{H7262}}`, requesting that he speak in the **Syrian language** `{{H762}}` instead of the **Jews' language** `{{H3066}}` to prevent the people on the **wall** `{{H2346}}` from understanding the threatening message [[Isaiah 36:11]]. After hearing Rabshakeh's words, Shebna and his companions returned to Hezekiah with their **clothes** `{{H899}}` **rent** `{{H7167}}` in distress [[Isaiah 36:22]]. He was also sent, covered in **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}`, to consult the **prophet** `{{H5030}}` **Isaiah** `{{H3470}}` [[2 Kings 19:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key figures and terms are closely associated with Shebna's role in the kingdom:
* `{{H2396}}` **Chizqîyâh** (Hezekiah): Meaning "strengthened of Jah," **Hezekiah** was the king whom Shebna served. The events involving Shebna occur during a critical moment in Hezekiah's reign [[2 Kings 18:37]].
* `{{H5608}}` **çâphar** (scribe): Shebna is identified by this title, which denotes a **writer** or an official responsible for recording and declaring state matters, a position of significant authority in the royal court [[Isaiah 36:3]].
* `{{H471}}` **ʼElyâqîym** (Eliakim): Meaning "God of raising," **Eliakim** was the official over the household who served alongside Shebna. In a prophecy from Isaiah, he is called God's **servant** `{{H5650}}` [[Isaiah 22:20]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): In one instance, Shebna is identified as the one "over the **house**," a phrase indicating his stewardship and authority over the king's palace and administration [[Isaiah 22:15]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding Shebna highlights several important themes:
* **Royal Administration:** Shebna's titles as **scribe** `{{H5608}}` and **treasurer** `{{H5532}}` demonstrate the organized structure of the Judean court. He was part of an elite team managing state affairs under King Hezekiah ([[2 Kings 18:18]], [[Isaiah 22:15]]).
* **Diplomacy in Crisis:** He was a key actor in a moment of intense national crisis, serving as a diplomat facing the Assyrian army. His actions show an attempt to manage a hostile negotiation and its impact on the **people** `{{H5971}}` [[2 Kings 18:26]].
* **Human Response to Blasphemy:** The act of Shebna and his colleagues tearing their **clothes** `{{H899}}` and later wearing **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}` illustrates a response of profound distress and mourning before seeking counsel from God's **prophet** `{{H5030}}` ([[2 Kings 19:2]], [[Isaiah 36:22]]).
* **Divine Accountability:** A specific prophecy is directed at Shebna from the **Lord** `{{H136}}` **GOD** `{{H3069}}`, showing that high-ranking officials were not exempt from divine scrutiny and judgment [[Isaiah 22:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7644}}` **Shebnâʼ** is a notable official within the government of King Hezekiah. While his name appears only a few times, he is present at a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the confrontation with Assyria. Through his roles as a **scribe** `{{H5608}}` and **treasurer** `{{H5532}}`, his story provides insight into the functions of the royal court and illustrates how national leaders navigated crises by engaging with both foreign threats and the prophetic word of God.