שׁוּנֵם
Shunem, a place in Pal
Definition
Shunem is a proper noun referring to a town in the territory of the tribe of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley (Joshua 19:18). It is most famously known as the hometown of a wealthy woman who showed hospitality to the prophet Elisha, leading to the promise and birth of her son (2 Kings 4:8-17). Later, it is also recorded as the location where King Saul consulted the medium of En-dor on the eve of his final battle (1 Samuel 28:4). The town's significance is primarily geographical and historical within the narratives of the conquest, monarchy, and prophetic ministries.
Biblical Usage
The name Shunem appears three times in the Old Testament, always as a geographical location. It is listed among the cities given to the tribe of Issachar during the allotment of the Promised Land (Joshua 19:18). It later appears as the setting for two key stories: it is noted as the place where the Philistines gathered against Saul (1 Samuel 28:4), and it is the home of the woman who became a patroness to Elisha (2 Kings 4:8). Its usage is consistent as a proper place name without metaphorical application.
Etymology
The name Shunem (שׁוּנֵם) is likely derived from the same root as the word Shunite (שׁוּנִי, H7764), which denotes a quiet or peaceful place. This connection suggests the name may mean 'quiet' or 'resting place,' possibly describing its geographical setting. It is a locative name, typical of many Canaanite towns incorporated into Israel.
Semantic Range
While Shunem itself is a place name, its biblical appearances contribute to significant theological narratives. In 2 Kings 4, it is the backdrop for a story of radical hospitality, faith, and God's power to give life through the prophet Elisha, prefiguring New Testament themes. Its mention in 1 Samuel 28 places it within the tragic story of Saul's disobedience and turn to forbidden occult practices, contrasting divine revelation with illicit inquiry. Understanding its location enriches the geographical and historical context of these events.
Shunem was a real Canaanite/Israelite town in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a strategically important and agriculturally rich area. Its mention in the conquest list (Joshua) signifies its incorporation into Israel. The story in 2 Kings 4 reflects the high cultural value placed on hospitality and the social importance of bearing a son. The town's association with a known prophet (Elisha) and a king (Saul) indicates it was a settled, notable location.
Yizre‛el (Jezreel, H3157) — A major city in the same valley, often associated with key royal and prophetic events. Shomron (Samaria, H8111) — The capital of the northern kingdom, another central location in the narratives of the kings and prophets.
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 →