the same as שׁוּחָה; Shuchah, an Israelite; Shuah.
Transliteration:Shûwchâh
Pronunciation:shoo-khaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7746}}` (שׁוּחָה - Shûwchâh) is primarily a proper noun, specifically a masculine personal name. Its base definition indicates it refers to "Shuchah, an Israelite." While the definition provided is somewhat circular ("the same as שׁוּחָה"), its etymological root is strongly linked to the verb שׁוּחַ (shûach), which means "to sink down," "to bow," or "to be humbled." Consequently, related nouns derived from this root, such as `{{H7745}}` (שׁוּחַ - shûach) or שׁוּחָה (shûchah), can refer to a "pit," "ditch," or "depression." Therefore, the name "Shuchah" likely carries connotations related to "a pit" or perhaps "one who bows/is humbled," though as a proper noun, its primary function is identification rather than conveying a descriptive quality of the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7746}}` (Shûwchâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:11]]: "And Chelub the brother of Shuah begot Mehir, who was the father of Eshton."
In this sole occurrence, Shuchah is identified as the brother of Chelub. The context is a detailed, albeit often terse, lineage within the book of Chronicles, which meticulously traces the descendants of the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah, leading up to the Davidic line. The brevity of the mention provides no narrative details about Shuchah's life, actions, or character. His inclusion serves solely to establish a link within a family tree, indicating his place in the historical and ancestral record of God's people. This highlights the importance of lineage and continuity in the biblical understanding of identity and divine promise.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H7745}}` (שׁוּחַ - Shûach), which serves as both a common noun meaning "pit" or "ditch" (e.g., [[Psalm 7:15]], [[Psalm 35:7]]) and a proper noun referring to:
1. A son of Abraham by Keturah, progenitor of a tribe (e.g., [[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]).
2. A place name (e.g., [[Job 2:11]], referring to Bildad the Shuhite).
The close phonetic and orthographic similarity, coupled with the shared root, suggests that `{{H7746}}` (Shûwchâh) is either an alternative form or a direct derivation from the same root as `{{H7745}}`. The underlying verbal root שׁוּחַ (shûach) also gives rise to concepts of "bowing down" or "being brought low," implying humility or a state of depression.
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of lineages, particularly in books like Genesis and Chronicles, underscores the importance of ancestry, inheritance, and the fulfillment of covenant promises through specific families.
* **Proper Nouns:** The study of personal names in the Bible often reveals layers of meaning, cultural context, and sometimes prophetic significance, even if the individual's story is not elaborated.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence as a proper noun in a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of the name `{{H7746}}` (Shûwchâh) itself is limited. It does not carry a specific theological message or doctrine in the way a verb or abstract noun might. However, its very presence in the inspired text offers several insights:
1. **Divine Meticulousness:** The inclusion of even obscure names like Shuchah in the biblical record testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of human history. Every individual, no matter how seemingly minor, has a place in His grand design.
2. **Importance of Lineage:** The extensive genealogies in Chronicles emphasize the continuity of God's covenant people and the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Shuchah's presence affirms his role in this sacred tapestry of ancestry.
3. **Humanity's Place in God's Plan:** While Shuchah's life is unrecorded, his name stands as a silent witness to the countless individuals who lived their lives within the covenant community, contributing to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even if their specific contributions are not highlighted. The name, possibly linked to "pit" or "humility," could subtly remind us of the human condition and reliance on divine grace, a common theme throughout Scripture.
### Summary
`{{H7746}}` (שׁוּחָה - Shûwchâh) is a Hebrew proper noun, a masculine personal name appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:11]] as part of a genealogy of the tribe of Judah. Etymologically, it is closely related to `{{H7745}}` (שׁוּחַ - Shûach), which can mean "pit" or "ditch," and derives from a root associated with "sinking" or "bowing down." While the name itself carries no direct theological teaching, its inclusion in the biblical record underscores God's meticulous care for individuals, the divine importance of lineage in His redemptive plan, and the continuity of His covenant people through generations, culminating in the line from which the Messiah would emerge.
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