The Hebrew word Shinʼâb, represented by H8134, is a proper name meaning a father has turned. This name belongs to a Canaanite individual and appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical record.
The single appearance of Shinʼâb H8134 is in the list of Canaanite kings who formed an alliance. He is identified as the king H4428 of Admah H126. This coalition, which also included the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and Zeboiim, came together to make H6213 war H4421 Genesis 14:2. Shinab's presence in this verse establishes his role as a regional leader involved in a significant military conflict.
Several related words provide context for the event involving Shinab:
- H4428 melek (a king): This title is applied to Shinʼâb, defining his position of authority over the city of Admah Genesis 14:2.
- H126 ʼAdmâh (earthy; Admah, a place near the Dead Sea): This was the city-state ruled by Shinʼâb. It is frequently listed alongside Sodom, Gomorrah, and Zeboiim in other passages Deuteronomy 29:23.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle... war): This word describes the action that Shinʼâb and his allies undertook together, signifying a major regional conflict Genesis 14:2.
- H8038 Shemʼêber (name of pinion, i.e. illustrious; Shemeber, a king of Zeboim): The king of Zeboiim and a key ally of Shinʼâb in the same military coalition Genesis 14:2.
- H5467 Çᵉdôm (burnt... district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea): The city of Sodom, whose king was another of Shinab's allies in the war described in Genesis 14:2.
The narrative significance of H8134 is tied exclusively to its context within a specific conflict.
- Royal Alliance: Shinʼâb is a member of a five-king coalition from the cities of the plain, demonstrating the political structures of the region during that time Genesis 14:2.
- Association with Judgment: As the king of Admah H126, Shinab is linked to a city that, along with Sodom and Gomorrah, is later used as an example of overthrow and divine wrath Deuteronomy 29:23.
- Participant in War: His mention solidifies the historical account of the battle in the vale of Siddim, where the kings of Admah and Zeboiim joined with the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and Bela Genesis 14:8.
In summary, Shinʼâb H8134 is a minor but specific figure in the Old Testament. He is remembered solely as the king of Admah who participated in a significant war alongside the infamous kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. While he appears only once, his inclusion provides a crucial detail that grounds the narrative of Genesis 14 in a specific time and place, linking him to a coalition of cities that would become symbols of judgment.
TRV