Heaven (Shamayim)
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim)
The heights above — the sky, the cosmic realm, and God's dwelling place.
Shamayim is the Hebrew word for heaven, used for the visible sky, the cosmic expanse, and God's dwelling place. It is always plural in Hebrew, suggesting the layered, expansive nature of the heavenly realm.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." — Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”Read in context
Revelation 21:1
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H8064 — Heaven (Shamayim) (שָׁמַיִם (shamayim))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) appears.
Open Strong's H8064Etymology and Original Meaning
Shamayim is always plural in Hebrew — literally 'the heights' or 'the heavens.' It may derive from a root meaning 'to be lofty.' The plural form suggests layers or expansiveness. Paul speaks of being caught up to 'the third heaven' (2 Corinthians 12:2), and Jewish tradition distinguished the atmospheric heaven (sky), the cosmic heaven (stars), and the divine heaven (God's dwelling).
Heaven as Creation
The Bible opens with God creating 'the heaven and the earth' (Genesis 1:1). The heavens — sky, sun, moon, stars — are part of the created order, not divine themselves. 'The heavens declare the glory of God' (Psalm 19:1) — they are witnesses to God's power and artistry, not objects of worship. The vastness of the cosmos testifies to the greater vastness of its Creator.
Heaven as God's Dwelling
Scripture speaks of heaven as God's dwelling: 'The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven' (Psalm 11:4). Yet Solomon acknowledged, 'The heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee' (1 Kings 8:27). God is not contained by heaven but chooses to manifest His presence there. Heaven is where God's will is perfectly done — the model for earth (Matthew 6:10).
The New Heaven
Revelation promises 'a new heaven and a new earth' (21:1) — not the destruction of creation but its renewal. The heavenly Jerusalem descends to earth (21:2), and God dwells with humanity. The final vision is not escape from earth to heaven but heaven coming to earth — the two realms united, God's presence filling all things, and every tear wiped away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does heaven mean in the Bible?
Heaven (shamayim) refers to the sky, the cosmic expanse, and God's dwelling place. It is where God's will is perfectly done and His presence fully manifested — and the ultimate hope is heaven and earth united.
Will heaven be on earth?
Revelation 21 pictures the New Jerusalem descending from heaven to a renewed earth. The ultimate hope is not escape from earth but God's dwelling fully with humanity — heaven and earth joined together.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Heaven (Shamayim)"?
Genesis 1:1 — "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 19:1, Revelation 21:1.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Heaven (Shamayim)" matter?
Shamayim is always plural in Hebrew — literally 'the heights' or 'the heavens.' It may derive from a root meaning 'to be lofty.' The plural form suggests layers or expansiveness. English uses one word, "Heaven (Shamayim)", where the Hebrew שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) carries the fuller sense: the heights above — the sky, the cosmic realm, and god's dwelling place.
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Heaven (Shamayim) (שָׁמַיִם (shamayim))
The heights above — the sky, the cosmic realm, and God's dwelling place.
Strong's H8064 — Heaven (Shamayim)
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) • The heights above — the sky, the cosmic realm, and God's dwelling place.
Heaven (שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim) / οὐρανός (Ouranos))
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Where to go next
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