Shechem: Uncovering the Hebrew Meaning and Biblical Heart of an Ancient City
The Hebrew Meaning of Shechem In Hebrew, the word “Shechem” (שְׁכֶם) directly translates to “shoulder.” This might seem like a curious name for a city, but in biblical Hebrew, names often carry layered meanings. The shoulder is a place of strength, support, and burden-bearing. It’s where we carry loads and where we lean on one another. Naming a city “Shechem” suggests a place of support, of carrying weight—perhaps emotional, spiritual, or communal. Geographically, Shechem is nestled between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, forming a natural “shoulder” valley. This physical formation may have inspired the name, but the symbolism runs deeper....
