The Hebrew word Shôwbâl, represented by H7732, is a proper name meaning overflowing. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses. The name is used to identify an Edomite and two Israelites in biblical genealogies, where it serves to mark specific ancestral lines.
In the biblical narrative, H7732 is used exclusively as a personal name within genealogical lists. It identifies three distinct individuals. The first is a son H1121 of Seir H8165 the Horite H2752 (Genesis 36:20, 1 Chronicles 1:38) and is also listed as a duke H441 among the Horites in the land of Edom Genesis 36:29. Another Shobal appears in the lineage of Judah as a son H1121 of Caleb H3612 and grandson of Hur H2354 1 Chronicles 2:50. This individual is noted as the father H1 of Kirjathjearim H7157 (1 Chronicles 2:50, 1 Chronicles 2:52). A third Shobal is listed simply as one of the sons H1121 of Judah H3063 1 Chronicles 4:1.
The genealogical context of H7732 is clarified by several key relational terms:
- H1 ʼâb (father): This word denotes a founder or chief. It is used to describe Shobal as the "father H1 of Kirjathjearim" 1 Chronicles 2:50, establishing him as the progenitor of a place or people.
- H1121 bên (son): As a word for a son, this term is essential to the structure of the genealogies where Shobal is mentioned. He is listed as one of the "sons H1121 of Seir" Genesis 36:20 and also as having "sons H1121" himself 1 Chronicles 2:52.
- H3205 yâlad (to beget): This verb provides the action for the genealogies, showing how lineages are established. For example, the lineage of Shobal is extended when his son "begat H3205 Jahath" 1 Chronicles 4:2.
The theological significance of H7732 is not found in the name itself, but in its consistent placement within biblical genealogies, which serve specific purposes.
- Preservation of Lineage: The inclusion of Shobal in multiple lists, such as among the sons H1121 of Seir the Horite Genesis 36:20 and the sons H1121 of Judah 1 Chronicles 4:1, underscores the importance of documenting historical and familial lines.
- Establishing Territorial and Tribal Identity: The name is directly linked to leadership and geography. One Shobal is named as a "duke H441" of the Horites Genesis 36:29, denoting a position of authority. Another is called the "father H1 of Kirjathjearim" 1 Chronicles 2:50, connecting his lineage to a specific location.
- Tracking of Families: The Bible meticulously tracks the descendants of key figures. The children H1121 of Shobal are explicitly named (Genesis 36:23, 1 Chronicles 1:40), and the lineage of another Shobal is traced through his son to establish "the families H4940 of the Zorathites H6882" 1 Chronicles 4:2.
In summary, H7732 is a specific personal name, Shôwbâl, used to identify individuals in the genealogies of both Edom and Israel. While its root suggests "overflowing," its biblical role is to anchor lineages within the historical record. The name appears exclusively in lists that trace ancestry, connecting specific men to their fathers, sons, and the territories they founded or inhabited. Therefore, the significance of Shôwbâl lies not in any abstract concept, but in its function as a marker of identity and heritage within the detailed family records of the Old Testament.
TRV