Hebrew · Strong's H8065
שָׁמַיִן
(shah-MAH-yim)
noun, common
This noun refers to the visible sky, the atmosphere, and the abode of God and his heavenly court.
The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) most frequently refers to the physical sky or atmosphere, encompassing the realm of birds and clouds. It can also denote the celestial sphere where the stars and other heavenly bodies are located. In a theological sense, "shamayim" often signifies the dwelling place of God, a realm distinct from the earthly sphere but maintaining influence and interaction with it. This dual aspect—both physical and spiritual—is crucial to understanding the word's usage throughout the Hebrew Bible. The plural form, which is characteristic of this word without a singular counterpart, may allude to the multifaceted nature of the sky, perhaps the visible expanse and the higher, unseen heavens. This word does not denote a multiplicity of gods, but rather the vastness and majesty associated with the divine dwelling.
Common English renderings
- heaven
- heavens
- sky
Key verses
"but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these:"
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"Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;"
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"Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens."
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"The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth."
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"Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?"
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"And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven: and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;"
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