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Shebna

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Proud royal steward demoted by Isaiah’s prophecy in favor of Eliakim

Detailed Definition
Shebna, likely treasurer under Hezekiah, was condemned for self-glorification and replaced by Eliakim, who would be a secure peg. His story warns against arrogance in office. In poetry, Shebna represents the fall of the self-exalting, the reversal of human pride by divine appointment, and the danger of using sacred trust for personal legacy—often symbolizing the vanity of earthly monuments.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Isaiah 22:15–19, Shebna’s demotion inspires poetry about pride in high office; 18th-century verse depicts Shebna’s chariot and tomb as vanity; Contemporary poems use Shebna to explore consequences of self-exaltation; In poems about humility, Shebna’s fall contrasts with Eliakim’s exaltation; Some liturgical laments include Shebna as warning against trusting in position; Educational poems cite Shebna to teach about stewardship and accountability.
Additional Notes
Shebna, a steward under Hezekiah, is rebuked by Isaiah for pride and self-aggrandizement (Isaiah 22); his story warns against arrogance in office; poets may use him to explore the ethics of leadership, humility, or the reversal of status in divine economy.
Also Known As
Shebna the Steward Shebna who was over the household
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