dual (adverbially) of שֶׁבַע; seven-times; seven(-fold, times).
Transliteration:shibʻâthayim
Pronunciation:shib-aw-thah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term shibʻâthayim (`{{H7659}}`) is an adverbial dual form derived from sheba (שֶׁבַע, `{{H7651}}`), meaning "seven." The dual ending -ayim typically denotes a pair or, in this adverbial usage, a multiplication or intensification. Thus, shibʻâthayim translates literally to "seven-times" or "seven-fold." Its semantic range extends beyond simple arithmetic, leveraging the rich biblical symbolism of the number seven, which often signifies completeness, perfection, divine fullness, or covenantal integrity. Therefore, "seven-fold" implies not just a multiplication by seven, but an action or state brought to its utmost degree, a comprehensive and perfect intensity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shibʻâthayim appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance underscoring a magnified or complete outcome:
* **[[Genesis 4:15]]**: In the narrative of Cain and Abel, after Cain murders Abel, the Lord declares, "Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." Here, shibʻâthayim signifies a divinely imposed, magnified retribution. It does not imply that seven people must die, but rather that the vengeance against Cain's killer would be complete and overwhelming, serving as a powerful deterrent and demonstrating God's sovereign protection over Cain, despite his sin.
* **[[Psalm 12:6]]**: This verse extols the purity of God's words: "The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Shibʻâthayim here describes the absolute, unblemished perfection and reliability of God's divine revelation. The image of silver refined seven times conveys a process of ultimate purification, resulting in absolute purity, mirroring the complete trustworthiness of God's pronouncements.
* **[[Psalm 79:12]]**: This is a plea for divine justice against those who have scorned the Lord: "And render to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom the reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord." Similar to the usage in Genesis 4:15, shibʻâthayim expresses a desire for a comprehensive and utterly complete recompense for the blasphemy and contempt shown towards God. It seeks a full measure of divine judgment against the adversaries.
* **[[Proverbs 6:31]]**: In the context of a thief caught in the act, the proverb states: "But if he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give all the substance of his house." This legal principle dictates a severe penalty for theft, far exceeding the value of what was stolen. The "sevenfold" restitution serves as a strong deterrent and emphasizes the gravity of the offense, demanding a complete and overwhelming restoration, potentially leading to the thief's total impoverishment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is sheba (שֶׁבַע, `{{H7651}}`), the cardinal number "seven," from which shibʻâthayim is directly derived. Understanding the pervasive symbolic significance of the number seven in biblical thought is crucial. Seven frequently denotes completion, perfection, divine order, covenant, and holiness (e.g., seven days of creation, seven-day festivals, seven spirits of God). The dual form shibʻâthayim intensifies this meaning, indicating a *full* or *perfected* seven.
Other related concepts include:
* **Retribution and Justice:** The word is frequently used in contexts of divine or legal recompense, emphasizing the thoroughness and completeness of judgment or punishment.
* **Purity and Perfection:** As seen in Psalm 12, shibʻâthayim can describe an absolute state of refinement and flawlessness.
* **Intensity and Magnification:** The term consistently conveys a heightened degree of an action or quality, beyond simple measure.
### Theological Significance
Shibʻâthayim carries profound theological weight, primarily highlighting the comprehensive and ultimate nature of God's actions and attributes.
* **Divine Justice and Sovereignty:** In [[Genesis 4:15]], God's shibʻâthayim vengeance on Cain's killer underscores His absolute sovereignty and the unassailable nature of His divine decrees, even in the face of human sin. It demonstrates that divine justice, whether protective or punitive, is always complete and perfectly executed. The shibʻâthayim in [[Psalm 79:12]] further reflects a deep-seated belief in God's ultimate justice to fully address affronts against His name.
* **The Purity of God's Word:** [[Psalm 12:6]] uses shibʻâthayim to affirm the absolute truth, reliability, and unblemished perfection of God's spoken word. This establishes a foundational theological principle: divine revelation is entirely pure and trustworthy, having undergone a complete "refining" process that renders it flawless.
* **The Severity of Sin and Law:** The legal principle in [[Proverbs 6:31]] illustrates the severity with which God's law views certain transgressions. The demand for shibʻâthayim restitution is not merely about economic compensation but about the complete restoration of justice and the profound consequences of violating divine statutes. It underscores that sin demands a comprehensive reckoning.
In essence, shibʻâthayim serves as a linguistic intensifier, signaling that whatever it modifies is brought to a state of ultimate completion, perfection, or intensity, often reflecting a divine standard or consequence. It speaks to the thoroughness of God's character and His dealings with humanity.
### Summary
Shibʻâthayim (`{{H7659}}`) is a Hebrew adverbial dual form meaning "seven-times" or "seven-fold." Derived from sheba (`{{H7651}}`, "seven"), it leverages the symbolic significance of the number seven to denote completeness, perfection, and intense magnification rather than mere numerical multiplication. Its four biblical occurrences consistently highlight a comprehensive and ultimate outcome: divine protection and magnified retribution for Cain's killer ([[Genesis 4:15]]), the absolute purity and trustworthiness of God's words ([[Psalm 12:6]]), a plea for complete divine vengeance against God's adversaries ([[Psalm 79:12]]), and a severe legal penalty requiring full restitution for theft ([[Proverbs 6:31]]). Theologically, shibʻâthayim underscores the thoroughness of God's justice, the unblemished perfection of His revelation, and the profound consequences of sin, always pointing to a complete and ultimate fulfillment.
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