שׁוּחָה

Shuchah, an Israelite

Definition

Shuchah is a proper noun referring to an individual named in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah. He is identified as the son of Hezron and the father of Machbenah and Gibea, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:11. The name appears only in this genealogical list, and no further narrative or historical details about his life or actions are provided in the biblical text. As a proper name, its meaning is derived from its root, which relates to the concept of a pit or depression.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:11, within a genealogical record. It functions solely as a personal name for a male descendant in the lineage of Judah. There are no other contexts, books, or patterns of usage for this specific form.

Etymology

The name Shuchah (שׁוּחָה) is directly derived from the identical common noun שׁוּחָה (H7745), which means 'pit,' 'ditch,' or 'trap.' It is a feminine noun from the root שׁוּח (shûach), meaning to sink down or bow down. As a personal name, it likely carried a symbolic or descriptive meaning, perhaps related to circumstances of birth, a physical characteristic, or a hoped-for destiny, which was a common practice in Hebrew naming.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive, derived from common words, circumstances, or theological statements. Bearing a name like Shuchah ('pit') may have reflected a difficult birth, a humble origin, or served as a protective invocation (like naming a child for something undesirable to ward off evil). His inclusion in the Judahite genealogy affirms his place in the lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, the Messiah, highlighting the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through family lines, even through obscure individuals.

שׁוּחָה (shûchâh, H7745) — The common noun meaning 'pit' or 'ditch' from which the proper name is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References