### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sheber**, represented by `{{H7668}}`, refers to **grain**, **corn**, or **victuals**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The term consistently denotes grain as a vital commodity, a source of sustenance that is bought, sold, and transported, particularly in the context of providing for a household or nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7668}}` is most prominent in the story of Joseph in Egypt. When Jacob learned there was **corn** in Egypt, it initiated his sons' journey to acquire food [[Genesis 42:1]]. The word is central to the theme of survival amid widespread famine, as Joseph instructs his brothers to "carry **corn** for the famine of your houses" [[Genesis 42:19]]. Beyond its role as a food source, `sheber` is also used in the context of commerce and law. The prophet Amos criticizes dishonest merchants eager to "sell **corn**" by falsifying their measures [[Amos 8:5]], while in Nehemiah, the Israelites make a covenant not to buy "any **victuals**" on the Sabbath day [[Nehemiah 10:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the economic and social role of grain:
* `{{H7666}}` **shâbar** (to deal in grain; buy, sell): This verb is directly derived from `sheber` and describes the action of trading grain. Jacob commands his sons to go to Egypt and **buy** for them [[Genesis 42:2]].
* `{{H1250}}` **bâr** (grain... corn, wheat): This term for grain is used alongside `sheber` in the book of Amos, where greedy merchants want to sell **corn** `{{H7668}}` and set forth **wheat** `{{H1250}}`, indicating its use as a parallel term for a grain commodity [[Amos 8:5]].
* `{{H7459}}` **rᵉʻâbôwn** (famine): This word establishes the critical context of scarcity in which `sheber` often appears. The corn brought from Egypt was specifically for the **famine** of the Israelites' houses [[Genesis 42:19]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver... money): As the medium of exchange, this word is directly linked to `sheber`. Joseph commanded that his silver cup be placed with his brother's **corn** money [[Genesis 44:2]], and he later gathered all the **money** exchanged for the corn [[Genesis 47:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7668}}` is primarily practical and moral, rather than overtly theological. It highlights core principles of life, justice, and obedience.
* **Divine Provision:** In the Genesis account, the availability of **corn** `{{H7668}}` in Egypt is the tangible means by which God provides for Jacob's family and preserves the future nation of Israel during a devastating famine [[Genesis 42:1-2]].
* **Economic Justice:** The handling of this basic food staple becomes a measure of a society's righteousness. Amos uses the selling of **corn** `{{H7668}}` to condemn oppressive and deceitful economic practices [[Amos 8:5]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** In Nehemiah, the community's pledge to refrain from buying **victuals** `{{H7668}}` on the Sabbath demonstrates how an everyday activity is integrated into their commitment to live according to God's law [[Nehemiah 10:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7668}}` is a foundational word for a life-sustaining commodity. While its definition is simple, its usage within Scripture places it at the center of critical narratives about survival, divine providence, and social ethics. The buying and selling of `sheber` is not merely a transaction but a reflection of a person's or a nation's moral and covenantal standing.
TRV