### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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