### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shᵉkem**, represented by `{{H7927}}`, primarily refers to **Shechem, a place in Palestine**. It appears 63 times across 54 unique verses. The term designates a historically significant city and can also refer to a person, the son of Hamor. Its meaning is tied to the concept of a "ridge," and it is related to the word `{{H7926}}`, which means shoulder or consent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Shechem is a pivotal location for foundational events. It is the first place Abram is recorded as stopping in the land of Canaan [[Genesis 12:6]]. Later, Jacob returns to the land and pitches his tent before the city, buying a parcel of ground from the sons of Hamor [[Genesis 33:18-19]]. This same city becomes the setting for a violent episode when Shechem, the son of Hamor, defiles Dinah, leading her brothers to slay the men of the city in retribution ([[Genesis 34:2]], [[Genesis 34:26]]). Years later, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem to make a covenant with them before God ([[Joshua 24:1]], [[Joshua 24:25]]). It is also appointed as a city of refuge in mount Ephraim [[Joshua 20:7]] and serves as the location where all Israel came to make Rehoboam king [[1 Kings 12:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names are central to understanding the context of Shechem:
* `{{H2544}}` **Chămôwr** (donkey; Chamor, a Canaanite): Hamor is the father of the individual named Shechem and a prince of the country. He and his son are killed by the sons of Jacob after the defilement of Dinah ([[Genesis 34:2]], [[Genesis 34:26]]).
* `{{H40}}` **ʼĂbîymelek** (father of (the) king; Abimelech): The son of Jerubbaal, whose mother was from Shechem [[Judges 9:1]]. The men of Shechem make him king but later deal treacherously with him, leading to great conflict ([[Judges 9:6]], [[Judges 9:23]]).
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (double fruit; Ephrajim): Shechem is a prominent city within the territory of Ephraim. It is specifically located in mount Ephraim and was built up by Jeroboam ([[1 Kings 12:25]], [[Joshua 21:21]]).
* `{{H7926}}` **shᵉkem** (the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of ahill; back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder): This word, identical in spelling, provides a deeper meaning. It is used to signify "consent" in a passage about priests committing murder, connecting the idea of a place with an action [[Hosea 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Shechem is demonstrated through its role as a place of critical encounters and decisions.
* **Site of Covenant:** Shechem is where the nation of Israel, under Joshua's leadership, formally commits to serving the LORD. Joshua set a statute and an ordinance there, solidifying their covenantal relationship with God [[Joshua 24:25]].
* **Symbol of Treachery and Division:** The city is a recurring stage for human failure. The deceitful revenge for Dinah's defilement occurs there [[Genesis 34:13]]. The men of Shechem's treacherous dealings with Abimelech result in God sending an evil spirit between them [[Judges 9:23]], culminating in a curse [[Judges 9:57]].
* **Place of Divine Promise and Inheritance:** God speaks of dividing Shechem as a sign of his power and promise ([[Psalms 60:6]], [[Psalms 108:7]]). It also becomes a place of lasting inheritance for the children of Joseph, where his bones are finally buried in the land Jacob bought [[Joshua 24:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7927}}` Shechem is far more than a geographical marker. It functions as a significant backdrop for some of the most important moments in Israel's history, from the patriarchal era to the establishment of the monarchy. It is a place of firsts—Abram's first stop, Joshua's national covenant—but also a place of deep conflict, treachery, and ultimately, division. Shechem's narrative arc reflects the complex relationship between divine promise and human fallibility.
TRV