### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Shᵉʻaryâh (שְׁעַרְיָה), Strong's H8187, is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb שָׁעַר (shaʻar) and the divine element יָהּ (Yah). The base definition provided indicates the meaning "Jah has stormed."
The element יָהּ is a shortened form of Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`), the personal covenant name of God, indicating a direct association with the divine. The verb שָׁעַר in this context, as defined, conveys the action of "storming." While the root שָׁעַר can also relate to "reckoning," "estimating," or "gatekeeping" (cf. `{{H8176}}`, `{{H8179}}`), its specific application within this name, "Jah has stormed," points to a powerful, active, and perhaps even tumultuous divine intervention or manifestation. The name thus embodies a declaration about God's dynamic and potent involvement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shᵉʻaryâh (שְׁעַרְיָה) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the extensive genealogies recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:38]]: "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel."
* [[1 Chronicles 9:44]]: "And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel."
In both instances, Shᵉʻaryâh is identified as one of the six sons of Azel, a descendant of Saul through Jonathan (specifically, Azel is the son of Eleasah, who is the son of Rapha, who is the son of Binea, who is the son of Moza, who is the son of Zimri, who is the son of Jedaiah, who is the son of Jarah, who is the son of Ahaz, who is the son of Micah, who is the son of Merib-baal, who is the son of Jonathan, who is the son of Saul).
The context is purely genealogical, serving to trace the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, particularly the royal line of Saul, in the post-exilic period. The presence of such names in these meticulous lists underscores the importance of tribal and family identity for the returning exiles and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. The individual Shᵉʻaryâh is not associated with any specific actions or narratives, but his name stands as a testament within the historical record.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Shᵉʻaryâh naturally connects to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Theophoric Names:** Shᵉʻaryâh is a prime example of a theophoric name, common in ancient Israel. These names incorporate a divine element (like יָהּ or אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`)), reflecting the pervasive influence of faith in daily life. Such names often served as mini-confessions of faith, expressions of parental hope, or commemorations of divine action at the time of birth.
* **The Divine Name Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`):** The suffix יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`) points directly to the God of Israel, emphasizing His active presence and character. This abbreviation of the divine name is found in numerous Israelite personal names, testifying to their devotion and understanding of God's nature.
* **Divine Action and Power:** The meaning "Jah has stormed" evokes imagery of divine power, perhaps reflecting a significant, forceful act of God, or a manifestation of His might. While the specific nature of the "storming" is not elucidated, it conveys an active, intervening deity.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The placement of Shᵉʻaryâh within the detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights the biblical emphasis on lineage, covenant continuity, and the preservation of identity within God's chosen people. These lists were not mere dry records but living testimonies to God's faithfulness across generations.
### Theological Significance
The name Shᵉʻaryâh, meaning "Jah has stormed," carries profound theological implications despite the individual's lack of a narrative role.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Activity:** The name directly attributes a powerful, decisive action ("stormed") to Yahweh. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals. It suggests a God who is not passive but dynamically intervenes, perhaps to bring judgment, deliverance, or a significant change. This speaks to a robust theology of divine agency.
2. **Testimony of Faith:** As a theophoric name, Shᵉʻaryâh serves as a silent testimony to the faith of the parents who bestowed it. It proclaims a belief in a God who is mighty and whose actions are discernible, even if those actions are perceived as a "storm." In a society where names often reflected circumstances or hopes, this name points to a powerful experience or conviction concerning God's might.
3. **God's Presence in Everyday Life:** The prevalence of theophoric names in Israel demonstrates that God was not confined to the temple or specific religious rituals but was seen as intimately present and active in the daily lives, identities, and family histories of His people. Even a name in a genealogical list can declare God's character.
4. **The Chronicler's Theological Purpose:** The inclusion of such names in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves the Chronicler's broader theological agenda: to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, to emphasize the importance of identity rooted in God's faithfulness, and to remind the post-exilic community of their heritage and God's enduring power.
### Summary
Shᵉʻaryâh (שְׁעַרְיָה, H8187) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Jah has stormed." This theophoric name combines the divine element יָהּ (Yah) with a verb suggesting powerful divine action. It appears twice in the biblical text, specifically within the genealogies of 1 Chronicles [[1 Chronicles 8:38]], [[1 Chronicles 9:44]], identifying a descendant of Saul. While the individual Shᵉʻaryâh is not associated with any narrative events, his name profoundly reflects the Israelite understanding of God's active sovereignty and power. It serves as a testament to the pervasive presence of God in Israelite identity and underscores the theological significance of names as declarations about God's character and involvement in human history.
TRV