### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shᵉbanyâh** `{{H7645}}`, meaning **"Jah has grown (i.e. prospered)"**, is a personal name that appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**. The name is used to identify three or four different Israelites who were active during the period of Israel's restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Individuals named **Shebaniah** are recorded in significant roles related to Israel's religious life. In Nehemiah, a Levite named **Shebaniah** is listed among those who **cried** `{{H2199}}` with a **loud** `{{H1419}}` **voice** `{{H6963}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Nehemiah 9:4]]. The name also belongs to a **priest** `{{H3548}}` who **did blow** `{{H2690}}` with the **trumpets** `{{H2689}}` before the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:24]]. The name appears multiple times among the Levites and leaders who sealed the covenant of renewal with God ([[Nehemiah 10:4]], [[Nehemiah 10:10]], [[Nehemiah 10:12]]). Lastly, a **Shebaniah** is identified as the head of a priestly family [[Nehemiah 12:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words, particularly other theophoric names, appear in the same contexts as **Shebaniah**, highlighting a community whose identity was rooted in their relationship with God:
* `{{H1141}}` **Bᵉnâyâh** (Jah has built): A **priest** `{{H3548}}` who served alongside Shebaniah, his name emphasizes God's role as the builder of His people and temple [[1 Chronicles 15:24]].
* `{{H2148}}` **Zᵉkaryâh** (Jah has remembered): This name, also belonging to a **priest** `{{H3548}}` ministering with Shebaniah, points to the theme of God's covenant faithfulness and remembrance [[1 Chronicles 15:24]].
* `{{H8274}}` **Shêrêbᵉyâh** (Jah has brought heat): A prominent **Levite** `{{H3881}}` who stood with Shebaniah in leading worship, his name conveys a sense of divine action and presence [[Nehemiah 9:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7645}}` is rooted in its meaning and the context of its usage.
* **Testimony of Faith:** The name itself is a declaration of trust in God's power to cause growth. As a theophoric name, it embeds the **name** `{{H8034}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` into a person's identity, serving as a proclamation that "Jah has prospered."
* **Leadership in Renewal:** Individuals named **Shebaniah** are consistently found in positions of spiritual leadership. They are Levites and priests who lead in worship [[Nehemiah 9:4]], minister before the **ark** `{{H727}}` [[1 Chronicles 15:24]], and commit to God's covenant [[Nehemiah 10:10]].
* **Hope in Restoration:** The frequent appearance of this name in Nehemiah underscores the theme of restoration. For a community rebuilding its city and temple, a name like **Shebaniah** would be a constant reminder of God's promise to make His people prosper again after exile.
### Summary
In summary, **Shebaniah** `{{H7645}}` is more than an identifier; it is a statement of faith meaning "Jah has prospered." The name is borne by several key Levites and priests who were instrumental in the religious services and covenant renewal of post-exilic Israel. Their roles in leading worship, sounding the **trumpets** `{{H2689}}`, and sealing the covenant exemplify a life lived in accordance with a name that proclaims God's faithfulness and power to restore.
TRV