שֶׁנְהַבִּים
probably, tooth of elephants, i.e. ivory tusk
Definition
The Hebrew word שֶׁנְהַבִּים (shenhabbîym) refers to ivory, specifically the tusks or teeth of elephants. It is a compound term, literally meaning 'tooth of elephants,' highlighting its source material. In the biblical context, it denotes a precious, luxury commodity imported from distant lands, used in the crafting of ornate items. This word appears exclusively in descriptions of King Solomon's extravagant wealth and international trade, as seen in 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in identical historical accounts of Solomon's reign. It describes a valuable import brought by his fleet of Tarshish ships along with gold, silver, apes, and peacocks. The usage is consistently tied to narratives of royal opulence, international commerce, and the fulfillment of God's promise of wealth to Solomon. The specific references are 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21.
Etymology
The word is a compound, derived from the Hebrew שֵׁן (shen, H8127), meaning 'tooth,' and the plural form of what appears to be a foreign word for 'elephant' or a large animal. This construction directly indicates 'tooth of elephants.' The foreign element suggests the material was not native to Israel and was acquired through trade with distant regions, likely Africa or India.
Semantic Range
While the word itself refers to a material good, its theological significance lies in its narrative context. Ivory, as a luxury import, symbolizes the immense wealth and international prestige granted to Solomon by God, fulfilling promises made to David (1 Kings 3:13). Its presence underscores themes of God's provision, the potential dangers of excess and luxury that can lead a heart away from God (as hinted in Deuteronomy 17:17), and serves as a tangible marker in the historical account of Israel's golden age under Solomon's reign.
In the ancient Near East, ivory was a supreme luxury item, prized by royalty and the elite for inlaying furniture, making decorative panels, and crafting small luxury objects. Its rarity, requiring long-distance trade networks, made it a symbol of extreme wealth, power, and global connection. For Israel, a nation without elephants, possessing ivory directly signified successful international trade and royal splendor on a world stage.
שֵׁן (shen, H8127) — The simpler, more common Hebrew word for 'tooth,' which can also be used poetically for ivory (e.g., Song of Solomon 5:14, 7:4), but lacks the specific connotation of 'elephant ivory' as a trade commodity that שֶׁנְהַבִּים carries.
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.
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