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 **shᵉmôneh**, represented by `{{H8083}}`, is the cardinal number for **eight**. It appears 109 times across 105 unique verses in the Bible. The term is apparently derived from the idea of plumpness, suggesting a surplus beyond the "perfect" number seven. It is used both as a cardinal number (eight, eighteen) and as an ordinal number (eighth).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8083}}` is used in various literal and symbolic contexts. It marks a key moment in the covenant, as male infants were to be circumcised on the **eighth** day [[Genesis 17:12]]. The number also signifies the start of a new reign, as Josiah was **eight** years old when he became king [[2 Kings 22:1]]. In a prophetic sense, it can represent a level beyond sufficiency or completeness, as seen in the call to raise up "seven shepherds, and **eight** principal men" [[Micah 5:5]] and the counsel to give a portion "to seven, and also to **eight**" [[Ecclesiastes 11:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numbers provide a broader context for the use of `{{H8083}}`:
* `{{H7651}}` **shebaʻ** (seven): Defined as the sacred full one, this number often appears alongside **eight** to signify completeness and then abundance [[Micah 5:5]]. It is used to express a recurring action, such as a just man falling **seven times** and rising again [[Proverbs 24:16]].
* `{{H6240}}` **ʻâsâr** (ten, -teen): This term is used in combination to form numbers like eighteen. It appears with `{{H8083}}` to describe the total measurement of the new city in Ezekiel's vision as **eighteen** thousand measures [[Ezekiel 48:35]].
* `{{H8084}}` **shᵉmônîym** (eighty): As a multiple of **eight**, this word denotes larger quantities or significant ages. The psalmist notes that a long life may extend to **fourscore** years [[Psalms 90:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8083}}` is significant, often pointing to concepts of renewal and divine order.
* **Covenant and New Beginnings:** The number is fundamentally linked to the covenant of circumcision, mandated for the **eighth** day of a male child's life, signifying a new start within the community [[Genesis 17:12]]. Similarly, King Josiah began to seek God in the **eighth** year of his reign, marking a spiritual renewal for Judah [[2 Chronicles 34:3]].
* **Superabundance and Preparedness:** Building on its definition as a surplus, **eight** often represents abundance beyond the complete number seven. This is illustrated in the call for "seven shepherds, and **eight** principal men" [[Micah 5:5]] and the advice to be generous by giving portions to seven and also to **eight** [[Ecclesiastes 11:2]].
* **Divine Measurement and Consecration:** The number appears in the specific dimensions for consecrated objects and spaces. The foundation stones of Solomon's temple included stones of **eight** cubits [[1 Kings 7:10]], and the gates in Ezekiel's vision of the future temple had **eight** steps leading up to them [[Ezekiel 40:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8083}}` **shᵉmôneh** extends beyond its simple numerical value of **eight**. It serves as a practical counter for people, years, and measurements in historical accounts, such as Jesse having **eight** sons [[1 Samuel 17:12]] or the Israelites serving a king for **eight** years [[Judges 3:8]]. More profoundly, it carries theological weight, symbolizing new beginnings through the rite of circumcision, divine abundance that surpasses perfection, and the precise order in sacred architecture. The use of **shᵉmôneh** demonstrates how a number in scripture can convey both literal facts and deeper spiritual truths.
TRV