Lexical Summary shenhabbim: Ivory Original Word: שֶׁנְהַבֵּים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ivory From shen and the plural apparently of a foreign word; probably, tooth of elephants, i.e. Ivory tusk -- ivory. see HEBREW shen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition ivory NASB Translation ivory (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֶׁנְהַבִּים apparently noun masculine [plural], in list of Solomon's imports, 1 Kings 10:22 2Chronicles 9:21, AV RV ivory (elsewhere שֵׁן alone); hence הַבִּים = elephants according to Ges (in Thes) Ew Hi SchrZMG xxvii (1873), 709 COT1Kings, compare ᵐ5 (2 Chronicles, and A in 1Kings) ὀδόντων ἐλεφαντίνων, ᵑ9 (in 1Kings) dentes elephantorum, ᵑ7; but this very dubious; < read RöThes Th Be CheEB 1154 שֵׁן (וְ)הָבְנִים ivory (and) ebony (Ezekiel 27:15). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Essence שֶׁנְהַבֵּים (shenhabbim) denotes “ivories,” literally “elephant teeth,” underscoring a luxury commodity prized for beauty, rarity, and durability. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21 record the only appearances, both within the narrative of King Solomon’s maritime trade: “For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish would come bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.” (1 Kings 10:22) The Chronicler parallels this report in 2 Chronicles 9:21. Historical and Cultural Background 1. Trade Networks: Ivory reached Israel via Red Sea and Mediterranean routes. Phoenician sailors, operating from Ezion-geber, likely procured tusks from East Africa or the Indian subcontinent, then transshipped through Tarshish-class vessels. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Blessing Realized: Solomon’s era fulfills Deuteronomy 28:10–12 promises of material abundance when Israel walks in covenant faithfulness. Ivory exemplifies that divine provision. Christological Echoes The opulence of Solomon’s court highlights the surpassing splendor of the greater Son of David. Jesus proclaims Himself “greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42), redirecting attention from temporary treasures like ivory to the eternal wisdom and kingdom that He embodies. Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Believers may enjoy God’s material blessings yet must guard against idolatry of luxury. Related Biblical Imagery Psalm 45:8 portrays the Messiah’s garments “fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad,” linking ivory with royal joy. Song of Solomon 5:14 likens the beloved’s hands to “rods of gold set with beryl,” situating ivory-level opulence within covenant love poetry. Summary שֶׁנְהַבֵּים serves as a window into Solomon’s golden age, illustrating the prosperity that accompanies obedience, the dangers of unbridled affluence, and the anticipation of a kingdom whose riches far exceed ivory’s fleeting luster. Forms and Transliterations שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים שנהבים šen·hab·bîm šenhabbîm shenhabBimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 10:22 HEB: זָהָ֣ב וָכֶ֔סֶף שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים וְקֹפִ֖ים וְתֻכִּיִּֽים׃ NAS: and silver, ivory and apes KJV: and silver, ivory, and apes, INT: gold and silver ivory and apes and peacocks 2 Chronicles 9:21 2 Occurrences |
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