Bible Word Study
שֵׁשָׁן
Shêshân · Sheshan, an Israelite
שֵׁשָׁן
Sheshan, an Israelite
Definition
Sheshan is a proper name referring to an Israelite man from the tribe of Judah, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. He is identified as a descendant of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:31) and is notable for having no sons, only daughters. His primary significance in the biblical narrative stems from his action of giving his daughter in marriage to his Egyptian servant, Jarha, to continue his family line (1 Chronicles 2:34-35). This act establishes a lineage that is incorporated into the tribe of Judah.
Biblical Usage
The name Sheshan appears exclusively in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles chapter 2, specifically in verses 31, 34, and 35. Its usage is purely for familial identification within the tribe of Judah. The context highlights a unique succession crisis, as Sheshan, having no male heir, secures his lineage through his daughter and his servant.
Etymology
The name Sheshan (שֵׁשָׁן) is likely derived from or related to the Hebrew word שׁוּשַׁן (shushan, H7799), meaning 'lily.' It is a floral name, possibly symbolic of beauty or flourishing. Such botanical names were common in ancient Israelite onomastics (name-giving).
Semantic Range
The story of Sheshan touches on themes of lineage, inclusion, and God's providence in preserving family lines within Israel. By incorporating his Egyptian servant Jarha into the tribe of Judah through marriage (1 Chronicles 2:34-35), the narrative subtly reflects the potential for outsiders to be grafted into God's covenant people, a theme later expanded in the biblical story. It underscores that genealogical continuity in God's plan can sometimes occur through unconventional means. In ancient Israelite culture, having no male heir was a significant social and economic concern, as it threatened the preservation of the family name and inheritance. Sheshan's solution—marrying his daughter to his servant—was a recognized legal custom to continue the family line. The servant, though Egyptian, was likely a trusted member of the household, and his elevation to son-in-law demonstrates the practical measures taken to maintain patrimony. No direct synonyms as a proper name. Related conceptually to: Jerahmeel (Yerachme'el, H3396) — his father and clan name; Jarha (Yarcha, H3398) — his Egyptian son-in-law who continues the line.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]