שֶׁבֶר
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
Definition
The noun שֶׁבֶר (sheber) primarily denotes a physical 'fracture' or 'break,' such as a broken bone (Leviticus 21:19, 24:20). Figuratively, it extends to mean 'ruin,' 'disaster,' or 'crushing defeat,' often describing national or military collapse (Psalm 60:2, Proverbs 16:18). In a unique and specific sense, it refers to the 'interpretation' or 'solution' of a dream, as seen in Judges 7:15, where Gideon hears the telling of a dream and its meaning.
Biblical Usage
שֶׁבֶר is used 41 times across various genres. Its literal sense of physical fracture appears in legal texts (Leviticus). The figurative sense of ruin or calamity is common in wisdom literature (Proverbs) and the Psalms, describing the consequences of pride or divine judgment. The specialized meaning of 'dream interpretation' is found in narrative contexts, notably in Judges 7:15 and in the story of Joseph (though a different Hebrew word is used there).
Etymology
Derived from the root verb שָׁבַר (shavar, H7665), meaning 'to break, shatter, or crush.' This root gives the noun its core sense of a breakage. The related noun שֵׁבֶר (shever) is a variant spelling. Cognates in other Semitic languages also carry meanings related to breaking.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects physical brokenness with spiritual and national ruin. It vividly portrays the destructive fruit of human pride (Proverbs 16:18) and the concept of divine judgment resulting in societal fracture. Understanding שֶׁבֶר enriches the reading of texts about God's discipline and the hope for healing from such brokenness, pointing to a need for divine restoration.
In ancient Israelite culture, a physical fracture could render a person ritually imperfect or unfit for certain priestly duties (Leviticus 21:19). The concept of national 'breaking' was a tangible fear tied to military defeat and exile. Dream interpretation was a recognized form of divine communication, so the 'breaking' of a dream's code was a serious matter revealing God's will.
מַפָּלָה (mappalah, H4654) — a fall or ruin, often sudden. מַכָּה (makkah, H4347) — a blow, wound, or plague, focusing on the inflicting strike rather than the resulting breakage. רָעָה (ra'ah, H7451) — evil, calamity, a broader term for disaster.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →