שֶׁבַע
Sheva
Seven, completeness, oath
Sheva (שֶׁבַע) is a Hebrew word meaning “seven, completeness, oath,” pronounced “SHEH-vah.” Derived from the root שׁ-ב-ע, sheva appears 392 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H7651).
| Hebrew | שֶׁבַע |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Sheva |
| Pronunciation | SHEH-vah |
| Meaning | Seven, completeness, oath |
| Root Letters | שׁ-ב-ע |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 392× |
| Key Verse | Genesis 2:2 |
| Strong's Number | H7651 |
| Category | Numbers & Measures |
No number in the Bible carries more theological weight than sheva (שֶׁבַע) — seven. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, establishing the seven-day week that the entire world still follows. But sheva's significance runs even deeper. The same root (שׁ-ב-ע) means both 'seven' and 'oath/swear.' The connection is profound: to 'swear an oath' in Hebrew is literally to 'seven oneself' — to bind yourself with the completeness and finality of the number seven. When Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath, the place was named Beersheba ('Well of the Oath/Well of Seven') because seven lambs sealed the covenant (Genesis 21:28-31). Seven permeates the Bible: seven days of creation, seven feasts of Israel, seven seals/trumpets/bowls in Revelation, Naaman dipped seven times, Joshua circled Jericho seven days. Understanding sheva reveals that God is a God of completion, covenant, and sacred rhythm.
Key Bible Verse: Genesis 2:2
“And on the seventh (shevi'i) day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.”
What Is the Root of Sheva in Hebrew?
Sheva comes from the root שׁ-ב-ע (shin-bet-ayin), which means both 'seven' and 'to swear an oath.' The linguistic connection suggests that oaths were sealed or confirmed by the number seven, making seven the number of covenant commitment and binding completion.
What Does Sheva Mean in the Bible?
Sheva and its derivatives appear hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible. The seventh day is the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3). Seven feasts structure Israel's year (Leviticus 23). Beersheba means 'well of seven/oath' (Genesis 21:31). The menorah has seven branches (Exodus 25:37). Revelation uses seven as its organizing principle.
How Is Sheva Used in Modern Hebrew?
The menorah — Israel's national symbol — has seven branches, representing divine completeness and light. The Hebrew word for 'week' (shavua) comes from the same root. The entire rhythm of Jewish time is built on the sacred number seven.
How to Use Sheva in Prayer & Worship
Trust in the God of completeness. What He begins, He finishes — in seven, with perfect fullness. Rest in His covenant oath (sheva/shavua) and let the rhythm of His seven-day creation pattern shape your week with work, rest, and worship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheva
How do you say “Seven” in Hebrew?
“Seven” in Hebrew is Sheva (שֶׁבַע), pronounced “SHEH-vah.” Sheva comes from the root שׁ-ב-ע (shin-bet-ayin), which means both 'seven' and 'to swear an oath.' The linguistic connection suggests that oaths were sealed or confirmed by the number seven, making seven the number of covenant commitment and binding completion.
What does Sheva mean in the Bible?
Sheva (שֶׁבַע) means “Seven, completeness, oath” in Biblical Hebrew. Sheva and its derivatives appear hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible. The seventh day is the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3). Seven feasts structure Israel's year (Leviticus 23). Beersheba means 'well of seven/oath' (Genesis 21:31). The menorah has seven branches (Exodus 25:37). Revelation uses seven as its organizing principle.
How do you pronounce Sheva?
Sheva is pronounced “SHEH-vah.” The word comes from the Hebrew root שׁ-ב-ע.
Why is seven considered God's number?
Seven is established as sacred in Genesis 2:2-3 when God rests on the seventh day, declaring it holy. From that point, seven marks completeness and divine fullness throughout Scripture. The Hebrew root connects seven to oath-taking, meaning seven is the number of covenant — God's binding, complete, unbreakable commitment.
Why do seven and oath share the same Hebrew root?
In ancient Near Eastern culture, oaths were often confirmed by sevenfold rituals. Abraham's seven lambs at Beersheba (Genesis 21:28-31) sealed a covenant. To 'seven oneself' (shava) means to bind yourself completely. Seven represents the fullness of commitment — an oath carried to completion.
What are the seven feasts of Israel?
Leviticus 23 establishes seven annual feasts: (1) Passover, (2) Unleavened Bread, (3) Firstfruits, (4) Shavuot/Pentecost, (5) Rosh Hashanah/Trumpets, (6) Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement, (7) Sukkot/Tabernacles. Christians see the spring feasts fulfilled in Christ's first coming and the fall feasts awaiting fulfillment at His return.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H7651: Sheva
- Bible Gateway — Genesis 2:2 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for שׁ-ב-ע
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