Who was Shua in the Bible?

Shua was a woman from the tribe of Asher, specifically identified as the daughter of a man named Heber (1 Chronicles 7:32). Her mention is brief, serving to establish her lineage within the genealogical records of the Israelites.

Why is Shua mentioned in the Bible?

Shua is mentioned to document the family lineage within the tribe of Asher. Her inclusion highlights the Bible's attention to genealogical detail, showing how individuals were part of God's covenant people and the unfolding story of Israel.

What is known about Shua's life and family?

The Bible only records Shua as the daughter of Heber and lists her brothers as Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham (1 Chronicles 7:32). No specific events from her life are recorded, as her role is primarily genealogical.

Shua

Old TestamentFemaleDaughter

Shua was an Asherite descendant, the daughter of Heber.

Shua

Biography

Shua was a daughter of Heber, recorded among the descendants of the tribe of Asher in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 7:32. She appears in the tribal register as one of Heber's children, alongside her brothers Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham. The text notes her specifically by name, which is notable in genealogical contexts where daughters are frequently omitted. The name Shua (Hebrew: שׁוּעַ) may carry the sense of "wealth" or "cry for help," though its precise meaning in this context is uncertain. Beyond the genealogical notation, no further narrative details are provided about her life, deeds, or descendants. Her presence in the record reflects the broader Chronicler's interest in preserving the complete lineage structure of Israel's twelve tribes.

Significance

Though Shua of Asher appears only in a genealogical list, her explicit naming within 1 Chronicles 7:32 carries theological weight. The Chronicler's consistent practice of recording women within tribal genealogies affirms the dignity and place of women within the covenant community of Israel. Genealogies in Chronicles are not mere historical records but theological documents establishing continuity of God's covenant people. That Shua is named alongside her brothers signals her recognized standing within the family of Asher. Her inclusion reminds readers that every member of the covenant community, regardless of fame or narrative prominence, has a place in the unfolding story of God's redemptive purposes through the nation of Israel.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:32

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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