יְרֻבֶּשֶׁת
𐤉𐤓𐤁𐤔𐤕
Yerubeshet
H3380 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A symbolic name meaning 'let shame contend' or 'contender with shame,' used as an alternate, polemical form of the name Gideon (whose alternate name was Jerubbaal) in several biblical passages. The term invokes the word for 'shame' (boshet), a euphemism for the deity Baal, thus transforming 'Jerubbaal' ('let Baal contend') into 'Jerubbesheth' ('let shame contend'). This name reflects a deliberate avoidance of the theonym 'Baal' and signals disapproval or polemic against the worship of Baal.
Semantic Range
a symbolic name for Gideon, one who contends with shame (i.e., with Baal), polemical alternate for Jerubbaal, epithet expressing opposition to Baal
Root / Etymology
Formed from the roots ריב ('to strive, contend') and בושת (boshet, 'shame'), with boshet functioning as a standard euphemism for Baal, the Canaanite deity. 'Jerubbaal' ('let Baal contend') is altered here by substituting 'shame' in place of the divine name, yielding 'let shame contend.' This pattern of substituting boshet for Baal occurs elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible in theophoric names.
Historical & Contextual Notes
'Yerubbeshet' appears in 2 Samuel (e.g., 2 Sam 11:21) as a substituted form of 'Yerubbaal' (Judges 6:32), which itself was an alternate name given to the judge Gideon. The substitution of 'boshet' reflects Israelite scribal and religious sensibilities during the monarchic and later periods, distancing revered Israelite figures from association with Canaanite deities. This practice parallels other name substitutions (e.g., Ishbosheth for Eshbaal). In English translations, the nuances of the polemical substitution are commonly lost, often rendering simply as 'Jerubbesheth' or conflating the name with 'Jerubbaal' without explanation. The use of this form testifies to the evolving attitudes toward Baal-worship, particularly after the rise of monotheistic reforms. 'Shame' here is not just a description but a term of polemical ideology, marking Baal as an object of contempt rather than reverence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רִיב and בֹּשֶׁת; shame (i.e. the idol) will contend; Jerubbesheth, a symbolic name for Gideon; Jerubbesheth.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ריב + בשׁת (r-y-b + b-š-t) — to contend, strive, dispute; shame, disgrace
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3380-01 |
יְרֻבֶּ֗שֶׁת | yerubeshet | HNp |
of Jerubbesheth | Shame-Contender | Yerubeshet | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3380-01 |
2 Samuel 11:21 | יְרֻבֶּ֗שֶׁת | yerubeshet | HNp |
of Jerubbesheth | Shame-Contender | Yerubeshet |