Original Word: שֶׁבֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Sheber
Pronunciation: SHEH-ber
Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-ber)
KJV: Sheber
NASB: Sheber
Word Origin: [the same as H7667 (שֶׁבֶר שֵׁבֶר - destruction)]

1. Sheber, an Israelite

Sheber

The same as sheber; Sheber, an Israelite -- Sheber.

see HEBREW sheber

Word Origin
from shabar
Definition
a son of Caleb
NASB Translation
Sheber (1).

II. שֶׁ֫בֶר proper name, masculine a Calebite 1 Chronicles 2:48; Σαβερ, A Σεβερ, ᵐ5^L Σαβαρ.

Biblical Occurrence

1 Chronicles 2:48 records, “Caleb’s concubine Maacah bore Sheber and Tirhanah”. This single mention places Sheber within the extensive genealogy of Judah, rooted in the larger historical narrative of Israel’s tribal heritage.

Genealogical Context

Sheber is a descendant of Caleb, the faithful spy whose unwavering trust in the LORD secured an inheritance in Hebron (Joshua 14:6-14). Being born to Caleb’s concubine Maacah, Sheber demonstrates that Scripture preserves the names of even those whose familial lines might appear secondary. The inclusion of concubine-born offspring emphasizes that God’s covenant purposes weave through every branch of Judah’s lineage, highlighting both the breadth of the tribe and the careful providence that preserves its record.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Concubinage, though not God’s original design for marriage, was a recognized social practice in the Ancient Near East. Children of concubines could inherit and be named among the clan, influencing land division and tribal standing. Sheber’s mention acknowledges this reality while reminding readers that divine plans are not thwarted by human complexities. The chronicler’s careful record further underlines the legal importance of lineage for land rights and messianic expectation, since Judah’s tribe would ultimately bring forth David and the Messiah.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Faithfulness: Each name in Judah’s genealogy underscores the LORD’s reliability in bringing forth the promised “scepter” (Genesis 49:10). By preserving Sheber’s name, Scripture testifies that no individual is overlooked in the unfolding redemptive story.
2. Providence in “Minor” Lives: Sheber never reappears in biblical narrative, yet his presence in the inspired record shows that God values every person, whether or not their deeds are detailed. This confers dignity on believers who labor in obscurity, assuring them their lives are known and recorded by God.
3. Brokenness and Restoration: While Sheber’s name is related to concepts of fracture or breaking, the larger canon frequently pairs “brokenness” with divine healing. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) and “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Sheber thus becomes an emblem—however subtle—that God brings wholeness out of broken situations and people.

Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship

• Value Every Member: Just as genealogies list otherwise unknown individuals, local fellowships should honor each believer, recognizing hidden contributions to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).
• Encourage Those in the Background: Genealogical footnotes remind leaders that God sees faithfulness done outside the spotlight (Matthew 6:4).
• Embrace Redemptive Brokenness: The possible nuance behind Sheber’s name invites believers to trust God’s ability to transform seasons of fracture into testimonies of grace (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

Related Themes and Cross-References

• Inclusion of Concubine Offspring: Ishmael (Genesis 16:15), Abimelech (Judges 8:31), and the sons of Gideon illustrate how God’s purposes advance amid human imperfection.
• Genealogies and Messianic Line: Ruth 4; Matthew 1; Luke 3 show the cumulative trajectory leading to Jesus Christ, reinforcing the importance of every recorded name.
• Brokenness in Scripture: Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; 2 Corinthians 12:9 illustrate the divine pattern of using weakness to display strength.

Summary

Though Sheber appears only once in Scripture, his inclusion in the inspired genealogy of Judah affirms that God’s covenant purposes encompass all people and circumstances. His name, suggestive of brokenness, quietly anticipates themes of divine restoration, reminding believers that the Lord graciously integrates every life—no matter how obscure—into His redemptive story.

שֶׁ֖בֶר שבר še·ḇer šeḇer SheverInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts