masculine of שֶׁבַע; seven(-th); Shebah, a well in Palestine; Shebah.
Transliteration:Shibʻâh
Pronunciation:shib-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7656}}` (שִׁבְעָה, Shibʻâh) functions primarily as the masculine form of the cardinal number "seven." It is directly derived from `{{H7651}}` (שֶׁבַע, sheba), which is the feminine form of the same number. While grammatically distinct, their numerical meaning is identical. Beyond its numerical value, `{{H7656}}` can also denote the ordinal "seventh." Furthermore, the term serves as a proper noun, "Shebah," referring to a specific well in Palestine, famously associated with the patriarchs. The number seven itself carries profound symbolic weight in the biblical worldview, frequently representing concepts of completion, perfection, divine fullness, and covenantal integrity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7656}}` are pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, reflecting the profound significance of the number seven.
In the foundational narrative of creation, the completion of God's work is marked by seven days, culminating in the Sabbath rest ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]). The account of Noah's ark specifies seven pairs of clean animals ([[Genesis 7:2]]). A pivotal instance connecting the numerical meaning with the proper noun "Shebah" is found in the life of Abraham and Isaac at Beer-sheba. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech is sealed with seven ewe lambs ([[Genesis 21:28-31]]), leading to the naming of the place as Beer-sheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven." Isaac later re-digs a well there, and his servants confirm its water, leading him to name it "Shebah" ([[Genesis 26:33]]), reinforcing the association.
In the Mosaic Law, the number seven is foundational to cultic and temporal regulations. The Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days ([[Exodus 12:15]]), as does the priestly consecration ceremony ([[Exodus 29:35]]). The menorah is to have seven lamps ([[Exodus 25:37]]). The Sabbatical year occurs every seven years ([[Leviticus 25:4]]), and the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is observed after seven full weeks ([[Leviticus 23:15-16]]). Purification rituals frequently involve a seven-day period ([[Leviticus 12:2]], [[Numbers 19:11]]). Israel was commanded to dispossess seven nations from Canaan ([[Deuteronomy 7:1]]).
Narrative accounts continue this pattern: the fall of Jericho involves seven priests with seven trumpets marching for seven days ([[Joshua 6:4-16]]). Samson's strength is tied to his seven locks ([[Judges 16:13, 19]]), and Elijah's servant looks seven times for rain ([[1 Kings 18:43]]). Prophetic literature also employs "seven," as seen in Daniel's seventy weeks ([[Daniel 9:24]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is **`{{H7651}}` (שֶׁבַע, sheba)**, the feminine form of "seven," from which `{{H7656}}` is derived. Both terms denote the same numerical quantity, differing only in grammatical gender.
Crucially, **`{{H7650}}` (שָׁבַע, shava')**, meaning "to swear" or "to take an oath," shares a deep etymological root with "seven." This connection suggests that an oath was often sealed by a seven-fold declaration or action, symbolizing a complete and binding commitment. This link is vital for understanding the double meaning inherent in "Beer-sheba" – "well of the oath" and "well of seven."
Another related term is **`{{H7654}}` (שִׁבְעוֹת, shiv'ot)**, which means "weeks," particularly in reference to the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), which is observed seven weeks after Passover.
The concept of **biblical numerology** is intrinsically linked to `{{H7656}}`. "Seven" is arguably the most significant number in this system, consistently representing completion, perfection, divine order, and covenant. The pervasive use of "seven" in contexts of **covenant** (e.g., Abraham at Beer-sheba, numerous sacrifices) underscores its association with divine agreements and their establishment or ratification.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7656}}` and the number seven is profound and multifaceted.
Most prominently, the **divine completion and perfection** of creation are established by the seven days, culminating in God's rest on the seventh day ([[Genesis 1:1-2:3]]). This sets a pattern for sacred time and underscores the idea that God's work is perfectly finished and ordered.
The connection to the verb `{{H7650}}` ("to swear") highlights its role in **covenant and oath-taking**. Oaths were often sealed with seven-fold actions or declarations, signifying a complete and unbreakable bond between parties, particularly between God and humanity. The naming of Beer-sheba serves as a powerful testament to this theological principle.
The pervasive use of "seven" in the Mosaic Law for festivals, purification rites, and the Sabbatical year underscores its role in ordering **sacred time and ritual purity**. It marks cycles of divine activity and human response, emphasizing the need for a complete and holy walk before God. These rituals often involved a seven-fold cleansing or a seven-day period, symbolizing a thorough and complete process of sanctification.
Beyond completion, "seven" can also signify **divine judgment and deliverance**. While more prominent in the New Testament (e.g., Revelation's seven trumpets and bowls), the Old Testament foreshadows this in events like the seven-fold cleansing of Naaman ([[2 Kings 5:10]]) or the complete removal of the seven nations from Canaan, symbolizing God's comprehensive work of purification and judgment.
Finally, "seven" often functions as a **symbol of fullness or sufficiency**, whether in abundance (seven years of plenty in Egypt, [[Genesis 41:29-30]]) or in situations requiring a complete measure of divine intervention.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H7656}}` (שִׁבְעָה, Shibʻâh) primarily denotes the masculine form of the number "seven" and "seventh." Its semantic range also includes the proper noun "Shebah," referring to a significant well in the Negev, famously linked to Abraham and Isaac at Beer-sheba. Beyond its literal numerical value, "seven" holds immense theological significance throughout the Old Testament. It symbolizes divine completion, perfection, and rest, exemplified by the seven days of creation. The term is deeply intertwined with concepts of covenant and oath-taking, deriving from its etymological connection to the verb `{{H7650}}` ("to swear"). Its ubiquitous presence in cultic practices, historical narratives, and prophetic utterances underscores its role as a key numerical symbol representing divine order, wholeness, and the comprehensive nature of God's dealings with humanity, particularly in establishing sacred time and ritual purity within the Mosaic Law.
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