Original Word: שְׁדֵיאוּר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shdey'uwr
Pronunciation: sheh-deh-oor
Phonetic Spelling: (shed-ay-oor')
KJV: Shedeur
NASB: Shedeur
Word Origin: [from the same as H7704 (שָׂדֶה שָׂדַי - field) and H217 (אוּר - fire)]

1. spreader of light
2. Shedejur, an Israelite

Shedeur

From the same as sadeh and 'uwr; spreader of light; Shedejur, an Israelite -- Shedeur.

see HEBREW sadeh

see HEBREW 'uwr

Word Origin
from the same as shad
Definition
a Reubenite
NASB Translation
Shedeur (5).

שְׁדֵיאוּר proper name, masculine in Reuben (read probably שַׁדַּי אוּר, ׳שׁ is flame, see Nö^{ZMG xv (1860), 809 Neh Kg. 45} Gray^{Prop. N. 169, 197}); — only in ׳אֱלִיצוּר בֶּןשֿׁ Numbers 1:5; Numbers 2:10; Numbers 7:30,35; Numbers 10:18 (all P); Σεδιονρ.

Biblical Background

Shedeur emerges in the narrative of the wilderness generation as the father of Elizur, chief of the tribe of Reuben. Although the Scriptures do not record the personal deeds of Shedeur, his name is preserved five times in Numbers, anchoring him within the covenant community descended from Jacob’s firstborn. By identifying Elizur repeatedly as “son of Shedeur” the inspired text underscores both lineage and legitimacy in Israel’s tribal structure.

Occurrences and Context

Numbers 1:5 introduces Shedeur during the first census: “from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur”. The subsequent references (Numbers 2:10; 7:30; 7:35; 10:18) all connect him to Elizur’s leadership roles—camp arrangement, dedication offering at the tabernacle, and order of march. Together these passages reveal a continuous portrait of organized worship and warfare in which family heritage mattered.

Historical and Tribal Significance

1. Reuben’s Restoration: Reuben forfeited pre-eminence through sin (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4). Nevertheless, the Lord still assigns visible leadership within that tribe. By linking Elizur to Shedeur, Scripture testifies to God’s grace in allowing Reuben’s descendants to participate prominently in national life.

2. Authentic Lineage: During the Exodus generation genealogical integrity safeguarded inheritance and priestly service. Citing Shedeur validates Elizur’s authority to represent thousands of Reubenites before Moses, Aaron, and the congregation.

3. Witness at Sinai: Numbers 7 records that each tribal leader brought offerings for the altar’s dedication. Elizur, standing in Shedeur’s line, presented “one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering” (Numbers 7:30-31). Through his son’s obedience, Shedeur’s household contributed to corporate worship at the newly erected tabernacle.

Theological Implications

• Covenant Continuity: The repeated father-son designation echoes earlier patriarchal formulas (“Abraham begot Isaac,” etc.), spotlighting how covenant promises pass generationally. Even unnamed deeds of fathers matter as God weaves their identities into redemptive history.

• Representative Leadership: Each tribal chief stood for tens of thousands; thus personal background carried theological weight. The mention of Shedeur assures the reader that Elizur’s authority rests on an authentic, God-ordained genealogy rather than political ambition.

• Divine Order in Community: Whether in census, camp positioning, or procession, Israel’s organization mirrors heavenly order. By placing Shedeur within those administrative details, Scripture teaches that every family—even the seemingly obscure—serves God’s broader design.

Ministry Lessons

1. Faithfulness in Obscurity: Shedeur’s name endures without recorded exploits, reminding believers that hidden faithfulness may shape future leaders whose ministries influence nations.

2. Parental Legacy: Spiritual investment in children equips them for service. Pastors and parents alike are encouraged to nurture the next generation, trusting God to employ their sons and daughters for kingdom purposes, even if their own role remains understated.

3. Honor for Elders: The Bible models respect for predecessors. Ministry teams today should remember and honor those whose prayers, teaching, and sacrifices laid foundations for current work.

Connections to New Testament Principles

• Hebrews 11 celebrates saints whose names receive minimal mention but whose faith had lasting impact. Shedeur parallels these “others” (Hebrews 11:35-40) who, though little known, contributed to God’s unfolding plan.

• Paul highlights inter-generational faith—“the faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5). In similar fashion, Shedeur’s faith context evidently shaped Elizur’s obedience.

Conclusion

While the Old Testament records nothing of Shedeur beyond his paternity, the Spirit-inspired repetition of his name weaves him into the fabric of Israel’s journey from Sinai toward the Promised Land. Through Shedeur the enduring principles of covenant lineage, orderly leadership, and quiet faithfulness find a foothold, inviting believers to value both the visible and the unseen contributions that advance God’s redemptive purposes.

שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃ שדיאור׃ šə·ḏê·’ūr šəḏê’ūr shedeiUrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts