שׁוּעַ

שׁוּעַ

Shua, a Canaanite

Definition

Shua is a proper name referring to a Canaanite man, the father of a woman who became Judah's wife (Genesis 38:2, 12). In the biblical narrative, he is identified simply as 'a certain Canaanite' whose daughter, unnamed in the text, is given in marriage to Judah, son of Jacob. This union produces three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The name appears only in the context of this genealogical and narrative detail within the story of Judah and Tamar.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in Genesis 38, appearing twice. Both occurrences (Genesis 38:2, 38:12) identify the father of Judah's Canaanite wife. Its usage is purely genealogical and narrative, serving to establish the ethnic background of Judah's wife and, by extension, his sons. There is no other usage in the Old Testament.

Etymology

The name Shua (שׁוּעַ) is identical to the Hebrew word H7769 (shûaʿ), which means 'cry for help' or 'wealth.' As a proper name, its meaning is likely 'wealth' or 'prosperity,' a common theme in Semitic names. It is derived from the root שׁוע (sh-w-ʿ), relating to crying out or, in some contexts, being opulent.

Semantic Range

While the character Shua himself is minor, his role is theologically significant. His identity as a Canaanite highlights the theme of Judah's disobedience in marrying outside the covenant people, a choice with severe consequences for his family line (the deaths of Er and Onan). This narrative thread underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and sets the stage for the later, redemptive actions of Tamar. Understanding this cultural and covenantal tension enriches the reading of Genesis 38 and the lineage of Judah. In the ancient Near East, names often carried meaningful connotations like 'wealth.' More critically, Shua's designation as a Canaanite placed him and his daughter outside the emerging Israelite covenant community. Intermarriage with Canaanites was explicitly discouraged and later forbidden in Israelite law (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3), making Judah's marriage a significant cultural and religious transgression in the story's context. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Related are other Canaanite ethnic designations, such as Kenaʿan (H3667) — the general term for Canaanite.

Word Details