Lexical Summary sheninah: Taunt, reproach, sharp word Original Word: שְׁנִינָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance byword, taunt From shanan; something pointed, i.e. A gibe -- byword, taunt. see HEBREW shanan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shanan Definition a sharp (cutting) word, taunt NASB Translation byword (2), taunt (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁנִינָה noun feminine sharp (cutting) word, taunt; — Deuteronomy 28:37; 1 Kings 9:7 2Chronicles 7:20; Jeremiah 24:9 (compare Psalm 64:4; Psalm 140:4). Topical Lexicon Scope and SenseThe term denotes a “byword,” “taunt” or “object of scorn” spoken of people under divine judgment. It pictures public derision so strong that the very name of the judged community becomes shorthand for disgrace. Old Testament Occurrences Deuteronomy 28:37 records the word inside Moses’ catalogue of covenant curses: “You will become an object of scorn, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples to which the LORD will drive you”. The remaining uses (1 Kings 9:7; 2 Chronicles 7:20; Jeremiah 24:9) echo this warning to later generations, tying Israel’s national reputation directly to faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the LORD. 1 Kings 9:7 and 2 Chronicles 7:20 repeat the threat at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple: if Israel forsakes Yahweh, the very house set apart for His Name will be cast out, and Israel “will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples.” Jeremiah 24:9 applies the term to the people of Judah already heading into exile, proving the earlier warnings true: “I will make them an object of horror and a disaster among all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and a byword, a taunt and a curse.” Historical Background In the ancient Near East, honor and name recognition were vital cultural currencies. A nation’s gods were judged by its fortunes. When Israel broke covenant, the LORD reversed expectations: instead of His people’s fame drawing nations to worship, their shame would advertise His justice. The humiliating label served as a living billboard that the LORD opposes sin—even among His chosen. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Accountability: The word underscores that election does not nullify responsibility. Israel bore the privilege of God’s presence, yet disobedience turned that privilege into a public disgrace. 2. Divine Reputation: Paradoxically, Israel’s fall still magnified God’s glory. By fulfilling His warnings with precision, He proved His faithfulness to His own word (Joshua 23:15) and displayed unwavering justice. 3. Prophetic Witness: The recurring use links Torah, Historical Books, and Prophets, showing canonical unity. Centuries after Moses, later writers employ the same vocabulary, confirming consistent covenant theology throughout Scripture. 4. Christological Foreshadowing: Galatians 3:13 teaches that Messiah “became a curse for us.” The shame once reserved for the covenant-breaking nation culminates at the cross, where Jesus endures ultimate reproach to redeem a people from every nation. Ministry Application • Preaching: The term warns congregations against complacency. Visible communities of faith can swiftly become cautionary tales when sin is tolerated. • Discipleship: Believers are called to bear a good name before outsiders (Acts 24:16; 1 Peter 2:12). The possibility of becoming a modern “byword” encourages holiness and corporate accountability. • Missions: Israel’s negative witness reminds the church that the world is always watching. Our obedience either beautifies or blasphemes the Name we carry (Titus 2:10). Biblical Themes Highlighted Judgment and mercy; the seriousness of covenant violation; the public nature of God’s dealings with His people; the transformation of shame into glory through redemptive history. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 8148 captures the sobering moment when covenant people become a proverb of derision. Its four biblical appearances trace a trajectory from warning to fulfillment, reinforcing the reliability of God’s word and urging every generation to covenant fidelity. Forms and Transliterations וְלִשְׁנִינָ֑ה וְלִשְׁנִינָ֖ה ולשנינה לִשְׁנִינָ֣ה לשנינה liš·nî·nāh lishniNah lišnînāh velishniNah wə·liš·nî·nāh wəlišnînāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 28:37 HEB: לְשַׁמָּ֔ה לְמָשָׁ֖ל וְלִשְׁנִינָ֑ה בְּכֹל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים NAS: a proverb, and a taunt among all KJV: a proverb, and a byword, among all nations INT: A horror A proverb taunt all the people 1 Kings 9:7 2 Chronicles 7:20 Jeremiah 24:9 4 Occurrences |
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