### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shemʼêber**, represented by `{{H8038}}`, translates as "name of pinion, i.e. illustrious" and identifies a king of Zeboim. This name is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Shemʼêber** is in [[Genesis 14:2]]. In this verse, he is named as the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Zeboiim** `{{H6636}}`. He is listed as part of a coalition of five kings from the cities of the plain who **made** `{{H6213}}` **war** `{{H4421}}`. This alliance also included the kings of **Sodom** `{{H5467}}`, **Gomorrah** `{{H6017}}`, **Admah** `{{H126}}`, and **Bela** `{{H1106}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Shemʼêber** is defined by several key terms from his only appearance:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This is the title given to Shemeber, establishing his role as a royal ruler [[Genesis 14:2]].
* `{{H6636}}` **Tsᵉbôʼîym** (gazelles; Tseboim or Tsebijim, a place in Palestine): This identifies the city-state over which Shemeber ruled [[Genesis 14:2]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle... war): This word describes the event where Shemeber is mentioned, as he and his allies engaged in warfare [[Genesis 14:2]].
* `{{H126}}` **ʼAdmâh** (earthy; Admah, a place near the Dead Sea): The kingdom of one of Shemeber's allies in the conflict [[Genesis 14:2]].
* `{{H5467}}` **Çᵉdôm** (burnt... district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea): The prominent city in the alliance that went to war [[Genesis 14:2]].
### Theological Significance
While **Shemʼêber** is a minor figure, his name carries significance through its associations within the biblical narrative:
* **A Symbol of Earthly Kingdoms:** As a **king** `{{H4428}}`, Shemeber represents the human political structures and conflicts of his era. His participation in this **war** `{{H4421}}` highlights the worldly strife that serves as a backdrop to the patriarchal narratives.
* **Association with Condemned Cities:** Shemeber is the ruler of **Zeboiim** `{{H6636}}`, one of the cities of the plain. These cities, including **Sodom** `{{H5467}}`, **Gomorrah** `{{H6017}}`, and **Admah** `{{H126}}`, become archetypes of wickedness and are later referenced as examples of God's overthrow and judgment [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shemʼêber** `{{H8038}}` is the name of the king of Zeboiim. He is mentioned a single time in Scripture as a participant in a historic **war** alongside the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Bela [[Genesis 14:2]]. While his role is brief, his identity is permanently linked to the coalition of the cities of the plain, which serve in the broader biblical narrative as examples of worldly rebellion and divine judgment.
TRV