or שְׁמוֹנֶה; feminine שְׁמֹנָה; or שְׁמוֹנָה; apparently from שָׁמֵן through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth; eight(-een, -eenth), eighth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שְׁמֹנֶה (shᵉmôneh), Strong's `{{H8083}}`, primarily denotes the cardinal number "eight." It also appears in its feminine form, שְׁמֹנָה (shᵉmônah), and as an ordinal, "eighth." The etymological suggestion, stemming from שָׁמֵן (shamen), meaning "fat" or "plump," points towards an underlying concept of fullness, abundance, or a surplus. This etymological nuance is crucial, as the number eight is often understood biblically as a "surplus above the 'perfect' seven." While seven (`{{H7651}}`) frequently symbolizes completion, perfection, or divine rest, eight transcends this, hinting at a new beginning, a fresh cycle, or a super-abundant reality beyond the established order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The number eight appears consistently throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, often in contexts that underscore themes of newness, consecration, and restoration:
* **Circumcision:** Perhaps the most prominent occurrence is the command for male infants to be circumcised on the eighth day ([[Genesis 17:12]], [[Leviticus 12:3]]). This act marks the child's entry into the Abrahamic covenant, signifying a new identity and a new relationship with God from the very beginning of life. It is a foundational sign of the covenant, initiated after a full week of existence.
* **Consecration and Purification:** The eighth day frequently marks the culmination of purification rites or the inauguration of a new state of holiness. For instance, the anointing and consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests concluded on the eighth day ([[Leviticus 9:1]]). Similarly, various purification rituals for individuals with discharges or defilements often required a seven-day period, followed by an offering on the eighth day to signify full cleansing and restoration to the community and to worship ([[Leviticus 15:14]], [[Leviticus 15:29]]). The firstborn male animals were also to be given to the Lord on the eighth day ([[Exodus 22:30]]), indicating their dedication and a new status as holy.
* **Feasts and Festivals:** The Feast of Tabernacles, a major pilgrimage festival, lasted seven days, but was followed by a distinct holy convocation on the eighth day, known as Shemini Atzeret ([[Leviticus 23:36]], [[Numbers 29:35]]). This "eighth day" was a special day of assembly and rest, often interpreted as a concluding celebration that looks beyond the harvest, perhaps towards the eschatological ingathering or a deeper communion with God. Nehemiah records a particularly joyful observance of this eight-day period after the return from exile ([[Nehemiah 8:18]]).
* **Noah's Ark:** The narrative of the flood records that "eight souls" were saved in the ark ([[1 Peter 3:20]], though a New Testament reference, it draws directly from the Old Testament account of Noah's family). This signifies a new beginning for humanity after the cataclysmic judgment, a new creation emerging from the waters.
* **David's Anointing:** David is identified as the eighth son of Jesse ([[1 Samuel 16:10-13]]). His anointing by Samuel, bypassing his older brothers, marked a new and divinely chosen lineage for the kingship of Israel, inaugurating the Davidic covenant and a new era for the nation.
* **Ezekiel's Temple Vision:** In Ezekiel's elaborate vision of the new temple, the number eight appears in various architectural dimensions, such as the eight steps leading up to the temple's gates ([[Ezekiel 40:31]], [[Ezekiel 40:34]], [[Ezekiel 40:37]]). This points to the ideal, eschatological temple, representing a new divine order and presence among the people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual relation for שְׁמֹנֶה (eight) is to the number seven (`{{H7651}}`). While seven denotes completion and perfection, eight signifies a transcendence of this completion, a new beginning, or a resurrection. This is not merely an additive relationship but often a qualitative leap.
* **New Creation/New Beginning:** The concept of eight resonates deeply with the idea of a new cycle. Just as the first day of a new week is the eighth day after the beginning of the previous week, so eight often marks the inception of a fresh start, a regeneration.
* **Resurrection:** In Christian theology, the resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred on the first day of the week (Sunday), which is inherently the eighth day following the Sabbath. This profound connection solidifies the symbolic meaning of eight as the number of resurrection, new life, and the inauguration of the New Covenant.
* **Circumcision and Baptism:** The covenant sign of circumcision on the eighth day in the Old Testament finds its spiritual parallel in Christian baptism, which symbolizes a new birth, a cleansing, and entry into the new covenant community. While baptism is not explicitly tied to the "eighth day," its theological function as a sign of new life in Christ aligns with the symbolism of שְׁמֹנֶה.
* **Divine Initiative:** The consistent appearance of eight in contexts of divine intervention, covenant, and purification highlights that these new beginnings are not self-generated but are gifts from God, signifying His ongoing work of redemption and restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׁמֹנֶה is profound, consistently pointing to themes of **new beginnings, regeneration, resurrection, and super-abundant grace.** It is the number that moves beyond the completed cycle of seven, signifying a divine intervention that establishes a fresh order.
* **Beyond Perfection:** If seven represents divine perfection and completion (e.g., the seven days of creation), then eight represents something *beyond* that perfection – a new creation, a new order, or a supernatural renewal that God initiates. It speaks of an overflow of grace that transcends what has already been established.
* **Covenantal Renewal:** From the circumcision of Abraham's descendants to the anointing of David, the number eight marks moments of significant covenantal renewal and the establishment of new phases in God's redemptive plan.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The references to eight in Ezekiel's temple vision evoke an eschatological hope for a restored and perfected communion with God, a new heavens and new earth where God dwells fully with His people.
* **Christological Fulfillment:** Most significantly, the symbolism of eight culminates in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection on the first day of the week (the "eighth day") inaugurates the new creation, the new covenant, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. It signifies victory over sin and death, and the beginning of a new spiritual reality for humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁMֹנֶה (shᵉmôneh), `{{H8083}}`, meaning "eight," carries a rich symbolic weight in biblical thought. Beyond its simple numerical value, it consistently signifies **new beginnings, resurrection, and super-abundant grace**. Rooted in an etymological sense of "plumpness" or "surplus," eight stands as a number that transcends the completion symbolized by seven, pointing to a fresh cycle, a divine inauguration, or a spiritual regeneration. From the covenant of circumcision on the eighth day, to the purification rites, the eight-day Feast of Tabernacles, the saving of eight souls in Noah's ark, and particularly in its profound connection to the resurrection of Christ on the "eighth day," שְׁמֹנֶה speaks of God's sovereign initiative in bringing forth new life and establishing a new order that extends beyond human limitations and even beyond the perfection of the created world.
TRV