שֶׁכֶם

שֶׁכֶם

Shekem, the name of a Hivite and two Israelites

Definition

Shekem (Shechem) is a proper noun primarily referring to a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. It is also the name of several individuals: a Hivite prince who assaulted Jacob's daughter Dinah (Genesis 34:2), a son of Gilead from the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 26:31), and a son of Shemida, also from Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:19). The city itself is a pivotal location throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a place of covenant renewal, burial, and division.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 14 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in Genesis 34, which details the story of Dinah and the Shechemites. It also appears in narratives about the patriarchs: Abraham built an altar near Shechem (Genesis 12:6-7), Jacob purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-19), and Joseph's bones were buried there (Joshua 24:32). Later, it became a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7, 21:21). The usage consistently ties the location to themes of promise, conflict, and covenant.

Etymology

The name Shekem (שֶׁכֶם) is derived from the common noun שְׁכֶם (shekem, H7926), meaning 'shoulder' or 'back.' This likely refers to the city's geographical position on the 'shoulder' or slope of the mountains. The name of the individual, Shechem, is therefore 'shoulder,' possibly implying strength or a burden-bearing role.

Semantic Range

Shechem is profoundly significant as a covenant location. It is where God first promised the land to Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7) and where Joshua led Israel to renew their covenant with God, challenging them to choose whom they would serve (Joshua 24:1, 24:15). The city's association with both divine promise (to Abraham) and human failure (the rape of Dinah and later idolatry, 1 Kings 12:25-33) makes it a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness amidst human sin and the ongoing call to exclusive worship. As a major Canaanite city-state, Shechem represented political and religious power in the region. Its prince bearing the same name as the city highlights the identity between ruler and domain. The story in Genesis 34 illustrates complex ancient Near Eastern customs regarding marriage, negotiation, and vengeance. Later, after the Israelite conquest, it became a central worship site before the temple was built in Jerusalem, though this later devolved into idolatrous worship of the golden calves. No direct synonyms as a proper name. Related conceptually to: בֵּית־אֵל (Bethel, H1008) — another key patriarchal worship site; and שִׁלֹה (Shiloh, H7887) — the later central sanctuary before Jerusalem.

Word Details