### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שֶׁמְאֵבֶר (Shemʼêber, `{{H8038}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a king. Its etymology, as suggested by the base definition, appears to be a compound of two significant Hebrew words: שֵׁם (shem, `{{H8034}}`), meaning "name," "reputation," or "renown," and אֵבֶר (ʼeber, `{{H367}}`), meaning "wing," "pinion," or "limb." The proposed meaning derived from this compound is "name of pinion" or, more interpretively, "illustrious."
The component שֵׁם (shem) carries profound theological weight in the Hebrew Bible, often referring to the divine reputation, character, or authority (e.g., God's holy name). When applied to humans, it signifies their identity, legacy, or fame. The component אֵבֶר (ʼeber) typically refers to a bird's wing or feather, often symbolizing swiftness, protection, or elevation. Thus, "name of pinion" could metaphorically suggest someone whose reputation soars, or one who is renowned for swift action or elevated status, leading to the interpretation "illustrious."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shemeber (שֶׁמְאֵבֶר, `{{H8038}}`) occurs only once in the biblical text, in the book of Genesis.
* **[[Genesis 14:2]]**: "that these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)."
In this sole occurrence, Shemeber is identified as the king of Zeboim, one of the five cities of the plain that formed an alliance to rebel against Kedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his confederates. This historical account, known as the War of the Kings, immediately precedes the narrative of Abraham's rescue of Lot and his encounter with Melchizedek. Shemeber, along with the other kings of the plain, is depicted as a participant in this conflict, ultimately suffering defeat and fleeing. The narrative highlights the vulnerability of these cities and their rulers, setting the stage for the later divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, with which Zeboim is often associated, even if its ultimate fate is not as explicitly detailed. The name "illustrious" stands in ironic contrast to the ignominious defeat and the moral depravity attributed to the cities of the plain.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of Shemeber offer rich connections to broader biblical themes:
* **שֵׁם (shem, `{{H8034}}`)**: This fundamental Hebrew noun is pervasive in scripture. It denotes not merely a label but the essence, character, and authority of a person or entity. God's "name" is synonymous with His very being and power (e.g., "the name of Yahweh"). For humans, a "good name" is highly valued (e.g., [[Proverbs 22:1]]).
* **אֵבֶר (ʼeber, `{{H367}}`)**: While less common than *shem*, this word for "wing" or "pinion" often appears in poetic and prophetic imagery. It can symbolize divine protection (e.g., [[Psalm 91:4]]), swiftness (e.g., [[Proverbs 23:5]]), or the ability to soar above earthly concerns.
* **Kings of the Plain**: Shemeber is part of a collective of kings (Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, and the king of Bela/Zoar). Their alliance and subsequent defeat in [[Genesis 14]] serve as a prelude to the judgment and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [[Genesis 19]], underscoring themes of divine justice and human rebellion.
* **Zeboim**: As the city ruled by Shemeber, Zeboim is consistently listed alongside Sodom, Gomorrah, and Admah as one of the cities of the plain (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 29:23]], [[Hosea 11:8]]). It signifies a region associated with great wickedness and divine judgment, even if its specific destruction is not as detailed as Sodom's.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Shemeber's theological significance is primarily derived from his role within the larger biblical narrative of Genesis 14. He serves as a historical figure who participates in a pivotal event in patriarchal history, underscoring the reality of Abraham's life and the geopolitical landscape of his time.
The irony inherent in his name, "illustrious," when juxtaposed with his defeat and association with the morally corrupt cities of the plain, is noteworthy. It subtly highlights a common biblical theme: earthly renown and power are fleeting and ultimately subject to divine judgment. Despite his potentially "illustrious" name, Shemeber's historical legacy is tied to rebellion against a divinely ordained order (as implied by Kedorlaomer's suzerainty being broken) and eventual defeat. His inclusion in the text, though brief, contributes to the historical grounding of the patriarchal narratives and provides a backdrop against which Abraham's faith and God's covenant promises are magnified. The narrative of the War of the Kings, in which Shemeber plays a part, ultimately serves to glorify God's intervention on behalf of His chosen servant Abraham and to foreshadow the righteous judgment that would later fall upon the wicked cities.
### Summary
Shemeber (שֶׁמְאֵבֶר, `{{H8038}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the king of Zeboim, whose name likely means "illustrious" or "name of pinion," deriving from the Hebrew words for "name" (שֵׁם, `{{H8034}}`) and "wing/pinion" (אֵבֶר, `{{H367}}`). He is mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[Genesis 14:2]], as one of the four kings of the plain who rebelled against Kedorlaomer and were subsequently defeated. His name's meaning stands in stark contrast to his historical fate, underscoring the biblical theme that earthly fame and power are transient and subject to divine sovereignty and judgment. Shemeber's presence in the narrative contributes to the historical veracity of the patriarchal accounts and sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment on the cities of the plain.
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