שְׁבוּ
𐤔𐤁𐤅
shᵉbûw
H7618 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone, specifically identified as agate in some translations, likely characterized by its banded patterns and colorful appearance. The term denotes a semi-precious gemstone used as an ornament, particularly in priestly garments such as the breastpiece of judgment (choshen) described in Exodus. The identification as 'agate' follows later tradition but may refer more generally to a banded or sparkling stone valued in ancient lapidary work.
Semantic Range
banded gemstone, agate, precious ornamental stone, sparkling or flashing stone (used specifically on the high priest's breastpiece)
Root / Etymology
Root: שָׁבָה. While שְׁבוּ (shᵉbûw) is thought to derive from a root akin to שָׁבָה (shavah, 'to take captive') or more plausibly from a related idea such as שָׁבִיב (shaviv, 'flame', 'spark'), the precise etymology is uncertain. The connection may arise from the visual effect (shimmering, sparkling, bright flashes) associated with the stone in question. The exact root meaning is debated among semitists, but it is likely connected with shining or banded appearances. Therefore, etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שְׁבוּ appears exclusively in priestly texts describing the stones mounted on the high priest's breastpiece (Exodus 28:19, 39:12), indicating its use was ritual and ornamental rather than economic. The identification with 'agate' is post-biblical, influenced by Greek (ἀχάτης, 'achates') and later Latin traditions, though ancient Israelite knowledge of modern mineralogical distinctions is unlikely. The choice of 'agate' in English translations reflects attempts to match biblical gem-names with known stones, but the actual mineral may have varied over time and region. There is no evidence for theological significance beyond its function as a precious stone. The term is distinct from other biblical gemstone terms (e.g., יָשְׁפֵּה, šeham, פִּטְדָּה, etc.), each likely reflecting trade or technological knowledge of the period. Translations such as 'agate' are conventional and should be understood with caution.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root (probably identical with that of שָׁבָה through the idea of subdivision into flashes or streamers (compare שָׁבִיב) meaning to flame; a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate; agate.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שבה (sh-b-h) — to take, to capture; to flame, to flash, to sparkle
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7617 | שָׁבָה | like captured women |
| H7622 | שְׁבוּת | captivity of |
| H7628 | שְׁבִי | in the captivity |
| H7630 | שֹׁבַי | Captive-One |
| H7633 | שִׁבְיָה | in the captivity |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7618-01 |
שְׁב֖וֹ | shevo | HNcmsa |
an agate | sparkling gemstone | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7618-01 |
Exodus 28:19 | שְׁב֖וֹ | shevo | HNcmsa |
an-agate | sparkling gemstone |
H7618-01 |
Exodus 39:12 | שְׁב֖וֹ | shevo | HNcmsa |
an agate | sparkling gemstone |