probably from שָׁגָה; erring; Shage, an Israelite; Shage.
Transliteration:Shâgeʼ
Pronunciation:shaw-gay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7681 (שָׁגֶא, Shâgeʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a masculine personal name. Its meaning is derived from the verbal root H7686 (שָׁגָה, *shāgāh*), which carries the primary sense of "to go astray," "to err," "to wander," or "to commit an error." Therefore, the name "Shage" semantically implies "erring" or "one who errs." It is a nominal form that encapsulates the concept of deviation or unintentional transgression inherent in its root. Unlike common nouns, its semantic range is limited to this specific personal identification, though its etymological depth provides a rich conceptual background.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name H7681 (שָׁגֶא, Shâgeʼ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 11:34]]: "The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite."
In this solitary occurrence, Shage is identified as the father of Jonathan, who is listed among David's "mighty men," specifically part of the "thirty" elite warriors. The context is a genealogical and military roster, providing no narrative details about Shage himself. He is merely a progenitor in the lineage of a notable figure. Consequently, the text offers no direct information about his character, actions, or the circumstances that might have led to his name's etymological meaning being particularly apt or ironic. The significance of the name, if any, must be inferred from its root meaning rather than from the biblical narrative surrounding the individual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root H7686 (שָׁגָה, *shāgāh*), from which H7681 is derived. This root is crucial for understanding the conceptual background of "Shage."
* **H7686 (שָׁגָה, *shāgāh*)**: "to go astray, err, wander, commit error." Examples include:
* [[Leviticus 4:13]]: "If the whole congregation of Israel *errs* and the matter is hidden from the eyes of the assembly..." (referring to unintentional sin).
* [[Numbers 15:22]]: "But if you *err* and do not observe all these commandments..." (again, unintentional error).
* [[Psalm 119:21]]: "You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who *stray* from Your commandments." (moral deviation).
* [[Proverbs 19:27]]: "Cease listening, my son, to instruction that *strays* from the words of knowledge." (intellectual or moral wandering).
Other related concepts include:
* **שְׁגָגָה (shᵉgāgāh)**: A feminine noun also derived from H7686, meaning "error, inadvertence, unintentional sin" (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:2]]). This highlights the distinction in Mosaic Law between intentional and unintentional transgressions.
* **Sin (חַטָּאת, *chaṭṭāʼth*)**: The broader concept of missing the mark, which often encompasses "erring."
* **Wandering/Straying**: Metaphors for spiritual or moral deviation from God's path (e.g., sheep going astray, [[Psalm 119:176]]).
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, H7681 (Shage) does not bear direct theological significance in the same way a theological concept or divine name would. However, its etymological link to the root H7686 (שָׁגָה, *shāgāh* – "to err, go astray") invites profound theological reflection.
The concept of "erring" is central to the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen state and the need for divine grace and guidance. From the earliest narratives, humanity is depicted as prone to deviation from God's perfect will. The Mosaic Law, with its detailed provisions for unintentional sins (שְׁגָגָה), underscores God's recognition of human fallibility and His gracious provision for atonement even in error.
The name "Shage" could, therefore, serve as a subtle, implicit reminder within the biblical text of the pervasive nature of human error and the constant need for divine instruction to remain on the right path. Even within the lineage of David's mighty men—individuals presumably characterized by strength, loyalty, and adherence to the king—the presence of a name meaning "erring" serves as a quiet testament to the universal human condition. It suggests that no individual or family line is exempt from the propensity to stray, highlighting the ongoing need for God's mercy and guidance for all. The fact that Shage's son, Jonathan, achieved renown as a mighty man further suggests that a name's etymology does not necessarily predetermine one's character or destiny, but rather points to the broader theological truth of humanity's inherent need for redemption and direction.
### Summary
H7681 (שָׁגֶא, Shâgeʼ) is a singular proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 11:34]] as the father of Jonathan, one of David's mighty men. Derived from the root H7686 (שָׁגָה, *shāgāh*), meaning "to go astray" or "to err," the name "Shage" carries the semantic implication of "one who errs." While the biblical text provides no narrative context for the individual Shage, his name's etymology resonates deeply with fundamental biblical themes: the pervasive reality of human fallibility, the concept of unintentional sin, and humanity's inherent tendency to deviate from God's path. Thus, even in a brief genealogical mention, the name "Shage" implicitly underscores the universal human condition of error and the constant need for divine guidance and grace, a core tenet of biblical theology.
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