### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shaʻărayim**, represented by `{{H8189}}`, is a place name in Palestine. Its name is the dual form of `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** and means "double gates." It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying a specific city and its location within biblical history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8189}}` is primarily used to establish geographical and historical context. It is listed as one of the **fourteen** cities{H5892} given to the tribe of **Judah**{H3063} along with their villages{H2691} [[Joshua 15:36]]. Later, it is identified as one of "their cities{H5892} unto the reign{H4427} of **David**{H1732}" [[1 Chronicles 4:31]]. Its most notable mention occurs after David's defeat of Goliath, where the **wounded**{H2491} of the **Philistines**{H6430} **fell down**{H5307} by the **way**{H1870} to **Shaaraim**{H8189} during their retreat toward **Gath**{H1661} and **Ekron**{H6138} [[1 Samuel 17:52]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and location of Shaaraim:
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This is the root word for Shaaraim. It refers to an opening, door, or gate, highlighting the meaning of Shaaraim as "double gates." It appears in the same context, describing the "gates{H8179} of Ekron{H6138}" [[1 Samuel 17:52]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word confirms that Shaaraim was a settled location, as it is counted among the "cities{H5892}" of Judah ([[Joshua 15:36]], [[1 Chronicles 4:31]]).
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (way): This term defines the route where the wounded Philistines fell, "by the way{H1870} to Shaaraim," establishing it as a landmark on a significant path [[1 Samuel 17:52]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): This name identifies the tribe whose territory included Shaaraim, anchoring the city within the land allotments of Israel [[Joshua 15:36]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8189}}` is primarily geographical and historical, grounding key events in specific locations.
* **Territorial Inheritance:** As one of the **fourteen** cities{H5892} listed in Joshua, Shaaraim helps define the borders and possessions of the tribe of **Judah**{H3063} [[Joshua 15:36]].
* **Historical Landmark:** The reference to the city "unto the reign of David" places it within a pivotal era of Israelite history, linking it to the establishment of the kingdom [[1 Chronicles 4:31]].
* **Strategic Placement:** Its location on the **way**{H1870} between the battlefield in the **valley**{H1516} and the Philistine cities of **Gath**{H1661} and **Ekron**{H6138} underscores its strategic position during a major military event [[1 Samuel 17:52]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8189}}` **Shaʻărayim**, meaning "double gates," is a specific city in the territory of Judah. Though mentioned only a few times, it plays a distinct role in the biblical record. It serves as a geographical marker in the tribal allotments, a historical reference point tied to the reign of David, and a strategic landmark in the narrative of Israel's victory over the Philistines.
TRV