אֻזֵּן שֶׁאֱרָה

Uzzen-Sheerah, a place in Palestine

Definition

Uzzen-Sheerah is a proper noun referring to a specific place in ancient Palestine, mentioned only once in the Bible. It is identified as a town built by Sheerah, the daughter of Ephraim, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:24. The name itself means 'plot of Sheerah' or 'Sheerah's portion,' indicating it was a settlement established by or named for this individual. As a geographical location, it represents a specific, albeit obscure, site within the tribal territory of Ephraim.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:24. The context is a genealogical record of the tribe of Ephraim. The verse states, 'And his daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.' Its usage is strictly as a proper place name within a historical and genealogical list, with no other patterns or occurrences in different contexts.

Etymology

The name Uzzen-Sheerah is a compound Hebrew word derived from the root אָזַן (ʼāzan, H238), meaning 'to give ear, listen,' but in this context likely related to a derived noun meaning 'plot' or 'portion of land,' combined with the proper name שֶׁאֱרָה (Sheʼĕrâh, H7609), 'Sheerah.' Thus, the name literally means 'Sheerah's plot' or 'portion of Sheerah,' signifying a settlement founded by or belonging to her.

Semantic Range

The mention of Uzzen-Sheerah in 1 Chronicles 7:24 is culturally significant as it credits a woman, Sheerah, with founding multiple towns, including Beth-horon and this settlement. In the patriarchal context of ancient Israel, this is a notable exception, highlighting female agency and accomplishment in city-building and land development within the tribal lineage. It reflects the cultural practice of naming places after their founders or prominent figures associated with them.

בֵּית־חוֹרוֹן (Bêyth-Chôrôwn, H1032) — Another town built by Sheerah, mentioned in the same verse (1 Chronicles 7:24).

Word Details

Scripture References