Original Word: שֶׁבֶת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shebeth
Pronunciation: SHEH-veth
Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-beth)
KJV: place, seat
NASB: place, seat, site
Word Origin: [infinitive of H3427 (יָשַׁב - inhabitants)]

1. (properly) session
2. (concretely) an abode or locality

place, seat

Infinitive of yashab; properly, session; but used also concretely, an abode or locality -- place, seat. Compare Yosheb bash-Shebeth.

see HEBREW yashab

see HEBREW Yosheb bash-Shebeth

Word Origin
from yashab
Definition
seat, dwelling, place
NASB Translation
place (2), seat (1), seat* (2), site (1).

I. שֶׁ֫בֶת noun feminine seat, dwelling, place (properly Infinitive Qal from ישׁב) — מְקוֺם הַשָּׁ֑בֶת 1 Kings 10:19 2Chronicles 9:18 the place of the seat; שֶׁבֶת חָמָס Amos 6:3 a seat (throne, or enthronement) of violence; לְשֶׁבֶת עָ֑ר Numbers 21:15 toward the dwelling (i.e. place, location) of 'Âr; יִ˜שּׂרְסּוּ בַשָּׁ֑בֶת 2 Samuel 23:7 they are burned in the (same) place,, i.e on the spot, but strike out ׳שׁ We Dr Bu; שִׁבְתּוֺ Obadiah 3 his (thy) dwelling-place — II. שֶׁבֶת see below שׁבת.

Root and Semantic Range

שֶׁבֶת (Strong’s 7675) grows out of the verbal idea “to sit, dwell, remain.” In the noun form it points to the place, instrument, or circumstance of sitting. Hence Scripture uses it for a throne-seat, an armrest or shaft, and, by metonymy, the reign or rule exercised from that seat. In every occurrence the word is linked to authority—either its exercise, its trappings, or its abuse.

Occurrences and Thematic Contexts

• Military equipment – “the shaft of a spear” (2 Samuel 23:7). Here שֶׁבֶת denotes the wooden length that carries the iron head, underscoring the might at David’s disposal.
• Personal designation – “Josheb-basshebeth” (2 Samuel 23:8) literally, “the one who sits in the seat,” a title of honor for the chief of David’s Thirty.
• Royal furniture – Solomon’s majestic throne with “armrests” (1 Kings 10:19) symbolises the splendor and stability of his kingdom.
• Imperial enthronement – Xerxes “sat on his royal throne” in Susa (Esther 1:2), reminding readers that even pagan sovereignty operates within God’s providence.
• Corrupt rule – Those who “bring near a reign of violence” (Amos 6:3) pervert the very seat entrusted to them, hastening judgment.

Symbol of Authority and Governance

Whether in palace or battlefield, שֶׁבֶת identifies the point from which control is exercised. The spear-shaft in David’s hand, the lions flanking Solomon’s armrests, and the royal throne of a Persian emperor all proclaim delegated power. The term therefore invites reflection on the Source of all legitimate rule (Psalm 22:28; Romans 13:1).

Contrast Between Righteous and Unrighteous Rule

Samuel celebrates courageous loyalty to God’s anointed; Kings records wisdom and order in Israel’s golden age; Esther shows worldly pomp; Amos exposes self-indulgent leaders who “dismiss the day of calamity.” The same noun that adorns a godly throne can also describe a violent regime. Scripture thus warns that authority, when severed from righteousness, becomes destructive.

Foreshadowing the Messiah’s Throne

Every throne in the Old Testament anticipates the everlasting dominion of Jesus Christ. Solomon’s ornate chair hints at a greater glory (Matthew 12:42). David’s spear foreshadows the victorious Scepter of Judah (Psalm 110:2). Even the judgment pronounced by Amos looks ahead to the moment when all seats of power will yield to the “throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1).

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Leadership Accountability: Those entrusted with any “seat” must wield it for justice, not personal ease (Micah 6:8).
2. Spiritual Examination: Believers ask who truly occupies the seat of their hearts (Colossians 3:15).
3. Hope in Providence: God governs rulers, pagan or pious, turning their decisions to advance His redemptive plan (Proverbs 21:1).
4. Readiness for Christ’s Appearing: Amos warns against postponing repentance; the rightful King is near (James 5:8-9).

Summary

שֶׁבֶת gathers the images of throne, armrest, spear-shaft, and reign into a single reminder that all authority belongs to the Lord. Whether displayed in the valor of David’s warriors, the gold of Solomon’s palace, or the excesses condemned by Amos, the “seat” is only secure when aligned with God’s righteous purposes and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the unshakable kingdom of Christ.

בַּשֶּׁ֜בֶת בַּשָּֽׁבֶת׃ בשבת בשבת׃ הַשָּׁ֑בֶת השבת כְּשֶׁ֣בֶת ׀ כשבת שֶׁ֥בֶת שבת baš·šā·ḇeṯ baš·še·ḇeṯ bashShavet bashShevet baššāḇeṯ baššeḇeṯ haš·šā·ḇeṯ hashShavet haššāḇeṯ kə·še·ḇeṯ kəšeḇeṯ keShevet še·ḇeṯ šeḇeṯ ShevetInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts