### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H7770}}`, is a proper name identifying a Canaanite man. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name serves to establish the identity of a specific individual within the narrative of Judah's life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7770}}` is used exclusively in the context of Judah's family. Judah sees the daughter of a Canaanite man whose name was **Shuah** and takes her as a wife [[Genesis 38:2]]. Later in the same chapter, the narrative notes the death of this woman, referring to her as "the daughter of **Shuah** Judah's wife" [[Genesis 38:12]]. The name is therefore used to identify Judah's father-in-law, marking the origin of his first wife.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the story involving **Shûwaʻ**:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This term is central to the identity of Shuah, who is only known as the father of Judah's wife. She is consistently referred to as the "daughter" of Shuah [[Genesis 38:2]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman; wife): The daughter of Shuah becomes Judah's "wife," a relationship established in [[Genesis 38:2]] and reaffirmed by the description of her death [[Genesis 38:12]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word marks the conclusion of the life of Shuah's daughter, as the account states that Judah's wife "died" [[Genesis 38:12]], an event which precedes Judah's subsequent actions in the chapter.
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H7770}}` is tied to its role in establishing lineage and context within the story of Judah.
* **Canaanite Lineage:** The text explicitly identifies **Shuah** as a "certain Canaanite" [[Genesis 38:2]], which defines the background of the woman Judah marries.
* **Paternal Identification:** Shuah's name is the sole identifier for his daughter. She is not named personally but is instead known as "the daughter of **Shuah**," linking her identity directly to her father [[Genesis 38:12]].
* **Narrative Framing:** The mention of **Shuah** and his daughter frames a specific period in Judah's life, beginning with his marriage to a Canaanite woman and concluding with her death.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7770}}` is a proper name that, while infrequent, provides a crucial piece of information in the Old Testament. It identifies the Canaanite father of Judah's first wife, clarifying her lineage. The use of **Shûwaʻ** demonstrates how even a minor character's name is essential for establishing relationships and providing key contextual details within the biblical account.
TRV