### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shûwnammîyth**, represented by `{{H7767}}`, is a patrial term identifying a **female inhabitant of Shunem**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. This specific identifier is not a general term but is used to denote two significant women in the historical narratives of 1 and 2 Kings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7767}}` is used to identify two women. The first is Abishag, a "fair damsel" found in the search for a companion to care for the elderly King David [[1 Kings 1:3]]. She "ministered unto the king" [[1 Kings 1:15]], and her status became a point of contention in the succession of the throne. Adonijah's request to be given the **Shunammite** as a wife ([[1 Kings 2:17]], [[1 Kings 2:21]]) was interpreted by King Solomon as a claim to the kingdom itself [[1 Kings 2:22]]. The second woman, who is unnamed, is associated with the prophet Elisha. Elisha instructs his servant Gehazi to call for "this **Shunammite**" ([[2 Kings 4:12]], [[2 Kings 4:36]]), and she becomes a recipient of his miraculous ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and roles of the women described as a **Shunammite**:
* `{{H49}}` **ʼĂbîyshag** (Abishag): The proper name of the first Shunammite woman mentioned, defined as **father of error (i.e. blundering); Abishag, a concubine of David**. She is the central figure in the narrative concerning David's last days and Solomon's consolidation of power [[1 Kings 1:15]].
* `{{H3303}}` **yâpheh** (beautiful): This word, meaning **beautiful**, is used to describe Abishag the Shunammite when she is sought out for King David, highlighting her physical appearance [[1 Kings 1:3]].
* `{{H5291}}` **naʻărâh** (damsel): Describing Abishag as a **girl (from infancy to adolescence)**, this term clarifies her youthfulness at the time she was brought to the royal court [[1 Kings 1:3]].
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (to minister): This verb describes Abishag's role in the palace, where she was appointed **to attend as a menial or worshipper** to King David [[1 Kings 1:15]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (wife): The term for **a woman** or **wife**, this word is central to Adonijah's fateful request for Abishag the Shunammite, which ultimately leads to his downfall ([[1 Kings 2:17]], [[1 Kings 2:21]]).
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7767}}` is a geographical identifier, its usage carries narrative weight by connecting individuals from Shunem to pivotal moments in Israel's history.
* **Royal Succession and Politics:** The term is inextricably linked to Abishag, whose relationship with the deceased King David makes her a symbol of the throne. Adonijah's request for the "Shunammite" is not a simple marriage proposal but a political move that Solomon immediately recognizes as a threat to his kingship [[1 Kings 2:22]].
* **Prophetic Ministry:** The designation connects a second woman to the powerful ministry of Elisha. She is sought out by the prophet [[2 Kings 4:25]] and is a subject of his divine work, demonstrating how God's power intersects with the lives of specific people from specific places.
* **Geographic Identity:** The use of "Shunammite" grounds these important stories in a tangible location, reminding the reader that the events of scripture involve real people from known towns within Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7767}}` is more than just a demographic label. It is a specific patrial name, **Shunammite**, that designates two women who play crucial, albeit very different, roles in the books of Kings. One, Abishag, becomes a key figure in the transfer of power from David to Solomon, while the other becomes a recipient of Elisha's prophetic power. The term demonstrates how a person's place of origin can become their primary identifier in the biblical record, linking them permanently to significant events in the life of Israel.
TRV