The Hebrew word Shâvêh, represented by H7740, identifies a specific location in Palestine. Its base definition is plain. This proper name appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, marking it as a site of a significant event.
The single appearance of H7740 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.
Two words from its primary verse are key to understanding the context of Shâvêh:
- H4428 melek: This word means a king; king, royal. It is central to the narrative in Genesis 14:17, which mentions multiple kings and identifies the location as the "king's dale."
- H6010 ʻêmeq: Defined as a vale (i.e. broad depression); dale, vale, valley. This term describes the geographical nature of Shaveh, and its use as both "valley" and "dale" in the same verse emphasizes its identity as a low-lying plain suitable for such a meeting.
The significance of H7740 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.
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