the same as שׁוֹבָב; rebellious; Shobab, the name of two Israelites; Shobab.
Transliteration:Shôwbâb
Pronunciation:sho-bawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7727}}` (שׁוֹבָב, *Shôwbâb*) is primarily encountered in the biblical text as a proper noun, a personal name. However, its profound semantic depth is unlocked by understanding its etymological root. It is derived from the verb `{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*), which carries the fundamental meaning "to turn, to return." While *shuv* can denote a simple physical turning or returning, its theological significance often extends to repentance—a turning *back* to God.
The form שׁוֹבָב (Shôwbâb) as a participle or nominal form from this root, particularly in prophetic literature, often takes on a negative connotation: "turning away," "backsliding," or "rebellious." Thus, the name `{{H7727}}` inherently signifies "rebellious" or "backsliding one." This semantic range highlights a departure from a right path, a turning away from faithfulness, or an act of rebellion against authority, particularly divine authority. It stands in stark contrast to the positive sense of שׁוּב as repentance and restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7727}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as the proper name "Shobab," referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Shobab, Son of David:** This is the most prominent usage. Shobab is listed among the sons born to King David in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in [[2 Samuel 5:14]], [[1 Chronicles 3:5]], and [[1 Chronicles 14:4]]. In these contexts, Shobab is simply enumerated as one of David's children, with no further narrative detail provided about his life or character. The inclusion of a name meaning "rebellious" within the lineage of the divinely chosen king is notable, though the text itself offers no explicit commentary on this etymology in relation to his person. It serves as a reminder that even within the most blessed lines, the potential for human waywardness exists.
2. **Shobab, Son of Caleb:** In [[1 Chronicles 2:18]], Shobab is identified as a son of Caleb, the son of Hezron, from the tribe of Judah. Here, too, the name appears in a genealogical list without further elaboration. This Shobab belongs to an earlier generation than David's son, indicating the name's presence within Israelite society over time.
In both instances, the name's meaning is not directly highlighted by the biblical narrative. The text does not describe either Shobab as rebellious. However, the very act of naming often carried prophetic or descriptive weight in ancient Israel. While we cannot definitively state that these individuals embodied the full negative connotation of their name, the etymological root of `{{H7727}}` consistently points to the concept of turning away from divine alignment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to `{{H7727}}` is its root verb, `{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*), "to turn, return." This verb is one of the most frequently occurring and theologically rich verbs in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing physical movement, spiritual repentance, and divine restoration.
Other related forms derived from `{{H7725}}` include:
* שׁוֹבֵב (*shovev*), a participle often translated as "backsliding" or "rebellious." This form is frequently used by the prophets, especially Jeremiah, to describe Israel's spiritual condition (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:6]], [[Jeremiah 3:8]], [[Jeremiah 3:11]], [[Jeremiah 3:12]], [[Jeremiah 3:14]], [[Jeremiah 3:22]]). It vividly portrays a people who have deliberately turned away from God.
* The concept of rebellion is also conveyed by other Hebrew terms such as `{{H4784}}` (מָרַד, *marad*, "to rebel") and `{{H6586}}` (פָּשַׁע, *pasha*, "to transgress, rebel"). While these terms focus more on overt acts of defiance, שׁוֹבָב and its related forms emphasize the *act of turning away* or *backsliding* from a previous state of obedience or covenant relationship.
* The theological contrast to שׁוֹבָב is found in the positive aspect of שׁוּב – repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה, *teshuvah*), which signifies a turning *back* to God, a re-alignment with His will.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7727}}` itself is a proper name, its underlying meaning of "rebellious" or "backsliding" is deeply significant for biblical theology. It speaks to the pervasive theme of human sinfulness and the constant tension between God's faithfulness and humanity's propensity to stray.
The concept of "backsliding" (שׁוֹבֵב) is a central indictment leveled against Israel by the prophets. It describes a people who, despite having entered into covenant with Yahweh, repeatedly turn away to idolatry and disobedience. This spiritual condition is not merely an occasional lapse but a persistent inclination to depart from the living God. The prophets earnestly call the people to "return" (שׁוּב) to the Lord, emphasizing His willingness to heal their backslidings ([[Jeremiah 3:22]]).
The very existence of a name like Shobab, meaning "rebellious," even within the sacred lineage of David, subtly underscores the universal human struggle with sin and the ever-present danger of turning away from divine truth. It serves as a quiet reminder that the call to faithfulness and repentance is constant, extending even to those intimately connected with God's redemptive plan. God's enduring love and persistent call to שׁוּב (return) stand in merciful opposition to the human tendency towards שׁוֹבָב (backsliding).
### Summary
`{{H7727}}` (שׁוֹבָב, *Shôwbâb*) is a Hebrew proper name, meaning "rebellious" or "backsliding one," derived from the root `{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*), "to turn, return." It refers to two individuals in the biblical text: a son of King David ([[2 Samuel 5:14]], [[1 Chronicles 3:5]], [[1 Chronicles 14:4]]) and a son of Caleb ([[1 Chronicles 2:18]]). While the biblical narratives do not elaborate on the personal character of these individuals in relation to their name's meaning, the etymology of `{{H7727}}` points to a profound theological concept. It highlights the human tendency to turn away from God, a spiritual state of "backsliding" (שׁוֹבֵב) that is frequently addressed by the prophets, particularly Jeremiah. This stands in stark contrast to the divine call for שׁוּב (repentance), a turning *back* to the Lord, demonstrating God's steadfast love and persistent invitation for His people to return to Him despite their rebellion.
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