שֹׁבִי
𐤔𐤁𐤉
Shovi
H7629 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Shobi (שֹׁבִי) is a proper name referring to an individual, specifically an Ammonite mentioned in the context of Israelite history. The name itself likely means 'one taken captive' or 'taken as captive,' derived from the underlying verb 'to take captive.' In biblical usage, this does not denote the individual's ethnic status as a captive but reflects the broader ancient naming conventions where names could commemorate significant events or circumstances surrounding birth or family history.
Semantic Range
proper name (individual Ammonite), possibly 'one taken captive,' personal name with connotation of capture or captivity
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׁבָה (to take captive, to seize, to lead away into captivity). The form is a qutl nominal pattern, frequently used in personal names. Shobi thus means 'one taken captive' or possibly 'he is captive.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Shobi is identified in 2 Samuel 17:27 as the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites. He appears as a loyal supporter of David during Absalom’s rebellion, providing essential provisions for David and his forces. The name reflects West Semitic naming practices that often encode experiences, events, or hopes. Shobi is not depicted as a captive in the narrative; the name should be understood idiomatically rather than as a literal description of his social status. English translations sometimes obscure such naming nuances by using forms like 'Shobi' without further explanation. The name appears only in post-Davidic narrative contexts, and its use is distinct from titles or generic nouns; it is not used to refer to captives in general.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁבָה; captor; Shobi, an Ammonite; Shobi.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׁבה (sh-b-h) — to take captive, seize, carry away
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7629-01 |
וְ/שֹׁבִ֨י | veshovi | HC/Np |
and-Shobi | Taken-Captive One | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7629-01 |
2 Samuel 17:27 | וְ/שֹׁבִ֨י | veshovi | HC/Np |
and-Shobi | Taken-Captive One |