### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shenhabbîym**, represented by `{{H8143}}`, is defined as **ivory**. The base definition suggests its origin is from a combination of the word for "tooth" and a foreign word, likely meaning "tooth of elephants" or an ivory tusk. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively identifying a valuable, imported luxury good.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8143}}` is used in two nearly identical passages to describe the immense wealth and far-reaching trade network of the king. Both accounts detail the cargo brought by the navy of Tharshish on its voyages, which occurred once every three years. The ships returned bringing **gold**, **silver**, **ivory**, **apes**, and **peacocks**, highlighting ivory's status as an exotic treasure and a symbol of royal splendor ([[1 Kings 10:22]], [[2 Chronicles 9:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The word for **ivory** always appears in a list with other terms for valuable and exotic imports, underscoring its rarity:
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored): This precious metal is listed as part of the cargo, establishing a context of extreme wealth and value [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver; by implication, money): Mentioned alongside gold, it signifies monetary wealth and the commercial success of the naval expeditions [[2 Chronicles 9:21]].
* `{{H6971}}` **qôwph** (of foreign origin,; a monkey; ape): This term for a foreign animal is listed directly with **ivory**, emphasizing the exotic and distant origin of the ship's contents [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H8500}}` **tukkîy** (probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock; peacock): This word for another imported creature further illustrates the extensive reach of the trade routes that brought such rare items to the kingdom [[2 Chronicles 9:21]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8143}}` is found entirely in its context as a luxury item within a larger collection of treasures.
* **Symbol of Royal Splendor:** The inclusion of **ivory** alongside gold and silver demonstrates the immense wealth and status of the king, serving as a tangible display of the kingdom's prosperity [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* **Marker of International Trade:** As an item sourced from distant lands, **ivory** highlights the scope of the naval expeditions to Tarshish, which were long journeys that returned only once every three years with their exotic cargo [[2 Chronicles 9:21]].
* **Illustration of Material Wealth:** While these goods represent a kingdom's earthly success, other scriptures caution that such treasures are ultimately finite, noting that neither **silver** nor **gold** can deliver a person from divine judgment [[Zephaniah 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8143}}` is a highly specific term for **ivory**, used only to detail the exotic cargo of Solomon's navy. Its importance in scripture is not theological but descriptive, serving as an indicator of unprecedented wealth, extensive global trade, and royal magnificence in ancient Israel. It is consistently presented as part of a list of rare and precious items, underscoring its status as a coveted luxury good from a faraway land.
TRV