בַּת־שֶׁבַע

בַּת־שֶׁבַע

Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon

Definition

Bath-Sheba is a proper name meaning 'daughter of an oath' or 'daughter of seven.' She is most famously known as the wife of Uriah the Hittite, whom King David saw bathing and subsequently committed adultery with, leading to David arranging Uriah's death (2 Samuel 11:3). After becoming David's wife, she is the mother of Solomon, who succeeds David as king (2 Samuel 12:24, 1 Kings 1:11-31). In her later role, she actively advocates for Solomon's succession to the throne, demonstrating political influence within the royal court (1 Kings 1:15-31).

Biblical Usage

Bath-Sheba appears exclusively in the historical narratives of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, specifically in the accounts of David's reign and Solomon's succession. Her usage shifts from being an object of David's desire and sin (2 Samuel 11-12) to an active, respected queen mother who intervenes in royal affairs (1 Kings 1-2). All ten occurrences are in these contexts, highlighting her transformation from a tragic figure to a key political player.

Etymology

The name בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bath-Sheba) is a compound of בַּת (bath, H1323), meaning 'daughter,' and שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651), meaning 'seven' or 'oath.' It derives from the root שָׁבַע (shavaʻ, H7650), 'to swear.' Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'daughter of an oath' or 'daughter of seven' (seven often symbolizing completeness or an oath). Some suggest it may relate to a sworn promise or a seventh child.

Semantic Range

Bath-Sheba's story is central to themes of sin, repentance, and redemption in the Davidic narrative. David's adultery with her and murder of Uriah represent a profound moral failure, yet God's grace is shown through Solomon's birth and the continuation of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 12:24-25). Her inclusion in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:6) highlights God's ability to work through flawed individuals for His redemptive purposes. Understanding her Hebrew name and story enriches the biblical portrayal of God's justice and mercy. In ancient Israelite culture, Bath-Sheba's initial vulnerability as a woman married to a Hittite (possibly a foreign mercenary) and her bathing (likely a ritual purification) made her susceptible to David's power. Her later role as 'Gebirah' or queen mother (1 Kings 2:19) was a position of significant honor and influence, advising the king. Her story reflects the cultural tensions between royal authority, gender roles, and social justice. No direct synonyms, as it is a proper name. Related terms include: אֵשֶׁת־אוּרִיָּה (eshet-uriyah, H802 + H223) — 'wife of Uriah,' her title before marriage to David; גְּבִירָה (gevirah, H1404) — 'queen mother,' a title reflecting her later influential role.

Word Details