The Hebrew word Shâvêh, represented by H7740, identifies a specific location in Palestine. Its base definition is plain. This proper name appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, marking it as a site of a significant event.
The single appearance of Shâvêh is in Genesis 14:17. The verse describes the king of Sodom going out to meet an individual returning from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings with him. This meeting takes place “at the valley of Shaveh.” The text immediately clarifies this location by adding, “which is the king's dale,” directly equating the Valley of Shaveh with a place associated with royalty.
The significance of Shâvêh is tied directly to the event it hosts. It is not an arbitrary place, but one defined by its function in the narrative.
- A Site of Royal Encounter: The location is explicitly named the “king's dale,” marking it as a place of royal significance. The meeting between kings after a major battle underscores its function as a formal or strategic meeting point.
- A Valley of Consequence: As a specific valley H6010, Shaveh serves as the backdrop for the aftermath of conflict. The broader use of “valley” in scripture for moments of decision or divine encounter, such as the valley of Jehoshaphat Joel 3:12, gives weight to the meeting that occurs here.
In summary, H7740 Shâvêh is more than just a plain; it is a named geographical location whose identity is forged in its sole biblical appearance. Its designation as “the king's dale” in Genesis 14:17 permanently associates it with a historic, post-battle meeting of kings. Though mentioned only once, it serves as a memorable landmark in the biblical account.
