Lexical Definition
שְׁבָא Shᵉbâʼ (sheb-aw') Sheba N:N-M-P
of foreign origin
Sheba, Sabeans.
- § Sheba = "seven" or "an oath"
- Sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district
n pr m
1) son of Joktan and a descendant of Seth
2) son of Raamah, grandson of Cush, and a descendant of Ham
3) son of Jokshan, the son of Abraham by Keturah
n pr loc
4) a nation in southern Arabia
Extended Information
- A man of the Cushites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.7
- son of: Raamah (רַעְמָה)
- brother of: Dedan (דְּדָן); also called Sabean at Job.1.15 3x
Brown-Driver-Briggs
שְׁבָא proper name, of a people and territory Shebâ, in southwest Arabia (Sabean סבא DHMZMG xxxvii (1883), 9, סבא verb = make campaign MordtHI 72 or expedition SabDenkmNo.12, 1. 5, 14; compare DSMargoliouthHast DB SHEBA FBEncy.Bib. SHEBA and reff); — Sheba: ׳מַלְכַּתשֿׁ 1Kgs 10:1; 1Kgs 10:4; 1Kgs 10:10; 1Kgs 10:13.= 2Chr 9:1; 2Chr 9:3; 2Chr 9:9; 2Chr 9:12 ׳מַלְכֵי שׁ Ps 72:10 famous for trade, ׳רֹכְלֵי שׁ Ezek 27:22; Ezek 27:23, ׳הֲלִיכֹת שׁ Job 6:19 (|| תֵּמָא); yielding costly wares Ezek 38:13,׳זְהַב שׁ Ps 72:15, ׳לְבוֺנָה מִשּׁ Jer 6:20 (|| מֵאֶרֶץ מֶרְחָק, compare following), paying homage and tribute to Israel in future Isa 60:6 descended from (Yoktan and) Shem Gen 10:28 (J) = 1Chr 1:22, from (Yokshan and) Abraham and Ketûrâh Gen 25:3 (J ?) = 1Chr 1:32 (i.e. a northern branch of Sheba, + דְּדָן, q. v.), but from כּוּשׁ Gen 10:7 (P) = 1Chr 1:9 marauders, North Arabia, Job 1:15
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 10:7 · 10:28 · 25:3 |
| 1 Kings | 10:1 · 10:4 · 10:10 · 10:13 |
| 1 Chronicles | 1:9 · 1:22 · 1:32 |
| 2 Chronicles | 9:1 · 9:3 · 9:9 · 9:12 |
| Job | 1:15 · 6:19 |
| Psalms | 72:10 · 72:15 |
| Isaiah | 60:6 |
| Jeremiah | 6:20 |
| Ezekiel | 27:22 · 27:23 · 38:13 |
Profile
Male • A Cushite • Descendants of Cush, known for wealth and trade
Man living at the time of the Patriarchs
The Sabeans, descendants of Cush, were known for their wealth, trade in spices and precious stones, and were mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
- A man of the Cushites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.7;
- referred to as Sheba or Sabean שְׁבָא, or Sabean שְׁבָאִי, or Sabean (=Qere. Ketiv, ESV, NIV= "drunkards") סְבָאִי;
- son of Raamah רַעְמָה;
- a brother of Dedan דְּדָן.
The Sabeans, also known as Sheba, are mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament (Genesis 10:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9; Job 1:15; Joel 3:8; Isaiah 45:14; Ezekiel 23:42). They were descendants of Cush, the son of Ham, and were known for their wealth and extensive trade. The Sabeans were associated with the region of Sheba, located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, in modern-day Yemen. They were renowned for their trade in spices, gold, precious stones, and other luxury goods. In the book of Job, the Sabeans are mentioned as raiders who attacked and plundered Job's livestock, highlighting their military prowess. The queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon, was likely a ruler of this kingdom, emphasizing the Sabeans' prominence and wealth. The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel also mention the Sabeans in the context of trade and their association with luxury items. The Sabeans played a significant role in the ancient Near Eastern trade network and were known for their prosperity and influence in the region.
All entries for Sheba or Sabean: שְׁבָא ☩ שְׁבָאִי ☩ סְבָאִי