Learn How to Pronounce Shear-jashub
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)
The Expert's Take
Meaning and Context
Shear-jashub is a minor yet profoundly symbolic biblical figure introduced in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:3). He was the son of the prophet Isaiah, born in the 8th century BCE during the tumultuous reign of King Ahaz of Judah. His name, given by God as a prophetic sign, is a key element in Isaiah's ministry and the broader theme of remnant theology. In Hebrew, Shear-jashub translates directly to "a remnant shall return," serving as a living, walking prophecy to the kingdom of Judah. This name symbolized a dual message of impending judgment—where the nation would be drastically reduced—and ultimate hope, assuring that a faithful remnant of Israel would return to God and be restored to their promised land. The figure of Shear-jashub is thus integral to understanding Isaiah's prophecies concerning the Assyrian crisis, divine judgment, and the hope of restoration, making him a significant subject within Old Testament studies and biblical prophecy.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The name Shear-jashub, derived from Hebrew, has a standardized transliteration in English, but variations can occur due to differing translation conventions or simple typographical errors. The most common alternate spelling is Shear-jashub, with a hyphen, which is the prevalent form in many major Bible translations like the King James Version (KJV) and English Standard Version (ESV). Some scholarly texts or other translations may render it as a single word, Shearjashub. Common misspellings and errors arise from phonetic misinterpretation or keyboard slips, such as "Shear-jashab," "Shear-jashub," "Shearjashub," or "Shear Jashub" (with a space instead of a hyphen). Confusion with similar-sounding biblical names or terms, like "Shear" on its own (a place name) or "Jashub" (a separate figure mentioned in Numbers), can also lead to inaccuracies. Ensuring the correct hyphenated form is used is key for precise biblical reference and academic searchability.
Example Sentences
The prophet Isaiah brought his son Shear-jashub with him when delivering a critical message to King Ahaz, making the child's very name part of the divine oracle.
Scholars often point to Shear-jashub as a powerful example of an "acted prophecy," where a prophet's personal life becomes a sign for the nation.
The hopeful promise embedded in the name Shear-jashub—"a remnant shall return"—provided comfort that even after exile, God would preserve a faithful core of people.
When studying the theme of the remnant in the Bible, one must begin with the symbolic significance of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub.
A common sermon illustration uses the figure of Shear-jashub to explain how God's messages of judgment and grace are often intertwined.
Sources and References
For this biblical name, I used Wikipedia and Forvo. I also consulted the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and listened to recordings of public scripture readings to understand the traditional ecclesiastical pronunciation of this complex Hebrew name.
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