Original Word: שִׁיזָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shiyza'
Pronunciation: shee-ZAH
Phonetic Spelling: (shee-zaw')
KJV: Shiza
NASB: Shiza
Word Origin: [of unknown derivation]

1. Shiza, an Israelite

Shiza

Of unknown derivation; Shiza, an Is. -- Shiza.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a Reubenite
NASB Translation
Shiza (1).

שִׁיזָא proper name, masculine in Reuben, 1 Chronicles 11:42, Σαιζα, Σιζαι.

[שִׁיחַ], שִׁתחָה see שׁוח

Name and Lineage

Shiza is identified in 1 Chronicles 11:42 as a Reubenite and the father of Adina, one of David’s notable warriors. His single appearance in Scripture situates him within the tribe descended from Jacob’s firstborn son, Reuben.

Biblical Context

The Chronicler lists Shiza while cataloguing the “mighty men” who rallied to David during the consolidation of his kingdom (1 Chronicles 11:10–47). By naming Shiza alongside Adina, the text highlights the contribution of Reuben to David’s rule, signaling the participation of every tribe in God’s covenant plan.

“Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him.” (1 Chronicles 11:42)

Tribal Heritage and Covenant Implications

• Reuben once forfeited the rights of the firstborn through sin (Genesis 49:3–4), and his tribe later settled east of the Jordan, at times appearing detached from national affairs (Judges 5:15–16).
• Shiza’s family reverses this trajectory: his son crosses the Jordan to champion Israel’s anointed king, illustrating restored unity among the tribes.
• For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, such references reassured scattered Israelites that faithful allegiance to the Davidic line still brought covenant blessing.

Role in David’s Army

Although Shiza himself is not depicted as a warrior, his legacy is embodied in Adina, who is called “chief of the Reubenites.” The mention “and thirty with him” suggests a command over a specialized unit, hinting at the prominence and influence of Shiza’s household within the tribe.

Theological Significance

1. Redemption across tribal boundaries—Reuben’s earlier failure does not preclude later usefulness. Shiza’s lineage shows God’s readiness to restore and employ those who align with His purposes.
2. The value of hidden faithfulness—Though Shiza’s deeds are unrecorded, his name endures in Scripture, emphasizing that God remembers even the seemingly obscure.
3. Generational impact—The direct link between Shiza and Adina underscores the formative power of parental legacy in raising leaders for God’s kingdom.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Quiet supporters matter. Behind every public servant stands a network of faithful believers like Shiza whose influence shapes future heroes of faith.
• Spiritual heritage is a stewardship. Discipling the next generation equips them to take courageous stands in their own contexts.
• Unity strengthens mission. The cooperation of a Jordan-side tribe with Judah’s king models the collaborative spirit needed among diverse believers to advance God’s work.

Key Reference

1 Chronicles 11:42

שִׁיזָ֜א שיזא shiZa šî·zā šîzāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts