from שָׁוָה; plain; Shaveh, a place in Palestine; Shaveh.
Transliteration:Shâvêh
Pronunciation:shaw-vay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שָׁוֵה (Shâvêh), transliterated as `{{H7740}}`, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its meaning is directly derived from the root verb שָׁוָה (shâvâh) `{{H7737}}`, which carries the core sense of "to be level," "to be equal," or "to be like." Consequently, the noun Shâvêh conveys the meaning of a "plain" or "level ground." This etymological connection suggests an area characterized by its flatness or evenness, contrasting with mountainous or rugged terrain. While its primary usage in the biblical text is as a place name, the underlying semantic range of "levelness" or "equality" from its root informs the character of the place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Shâvêh `{{H7740}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in a singular, yet profoundly significant, context. It is found in [[Genesis 14:17]], where it is identified as "the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley)." This passage describes the return of Abram (Abraham) after his victory over Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him. It is in this "Valley of Shaveh" that Abram is met by the king of Sodom and, more significantly, by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. The parenthetical clarification "that is, the King's Valley" indicates that Shaveh was either synonymous with or a specific part of a well-known royal area. Later, [[2 Samuel 18:18]] mentions "the King's Valley" as the location where Absalom erected a pillar for himself, strongly suggesting it refers to the same historically significant site near Jerusalem. The context in Genesis underscores Shaveh as a pivotal meeting place, a stage for a momentous theological encounter between the patriarch and the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek, where blessing, tithing, and the offering of bread and wine took place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root שָׁוָה (shâvâh) `{{H7737}}`, meaning "to be level," "to be equal," or "to be comparable." This root gives rise to other terms such as שָׁוֶה (shâveh) `{{H7739}}`, an adjective meaning "equal" or "like." The concept of "levelness" or "plainness" embodied in Shâvêh `{{H7740}}` stands in contrast to geographical features like mountains (e.g., הַר, har `{{H2022}}`) or valleys that are deep and uneven (e.g., גַּיְא, gay' `{{H1516}}`). As a "plain" or "valley," Shâvêh represents a place of convergence and accessibility, often suitable for gatherings or significant events. The identification of Shâvêh as "the King's Valley" also links it conceptually with royalty, authority, and perhaps places designated for royal ceremonies or monuments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Shâvêh `{{H7740}}` is inextricably tied to the momentous events that transpired within its bounds. As the site where Abram met Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, the Valley of Shaveh becomes a sacred stage for a foundational moment in salvation history. This encounter, detailed in [[Genesis 14:18-20]], involves Melchizedek's blessing of Abram and Abram's subsequent tithe to Melchizedek. This event is profoundly significant for its proto-Christological implications, as Melchizedek is later understood in the New Testament (specifically in [[Hebrews 7:1-10]]) as a type of Christ, a priest "after the order of Melchizedek." Thus, Shâvêh is not merely a geographical location but a divinely appointed setting for the manifestation of God's blessing through His chosen representative, foreshadowing the greater High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The "plainness" of the valley might symbolically represent a common ground where divine and human realms intersect, or where great figures meet on an equal footing before God.
### Summary
Shâvêh `{{H7740}}` is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific geographical location, the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley. Derived from a root meaning "to be level" or "plain," its name aptly describes a flat or even expanse of ground. Its sole significant biblical occurrence is in [[Genesis 14:17]], where it serves as the crucial meeting place for Abram, the king of Sodom, and, most importantly, Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem. This encounter is of immense theological weight, establishing a paradigm of blessing, tithing, and foreshadowing the unique priesthood of Christ. Thus, Shâvêh is more than just a physical location; it is a divinely chosen stage for a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, a place where sacred history was made manifest.
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