### 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.
TRV