Bethsabée

Bethsabée is the French form of Bathsheba, a name of Hebrew origin. In the Bible, Bathsheba (Hebrew: Batsheva) means "daughter of the oath" or possibly "seventh daughter," from the elements baṯ (daughter) and shavaʿ (oath, or seven). She is a central figure in the Old Testament, being the wife of Uriah the Hittite who had an adulterous affair with King David, leading to Uriah's death and her eventual marriage to David, with whom she bore Solomon, the future king.

Etymology

The name Bethsabée directly derives from the Latin Vulgate form Bethsabee, itself a rendering of the Hebrew name Bat-sheva. Through French, the spelling adapted to Bethsabée, preserving the biblical association while fitting French orthographic conventions. The name in Hebrew can be interpreted as "Bathsheba," meaning "daughter of the oath," but also as "daughter of seven" (since sheva means "seven"), which may allude to the seventh day of rest or completeness.

Cultural Significance

The story of Bathsheba—and by extension, the name Bethsabée—has resonated in Western culture as a tale of sin, repentance, and divine grace. The name appears in various works of art, literature, and film. For instance, the 1947 French film Bethsabée directed by Léonide Moguy starred Danielle Darrieux and Georges Marchal. While the film's plot is set in French Morocco and departs from the biblical story, its title deliberately evokes the iconic figure. The name Bethsabée thus carries both religious weight and artistic flair.

• Meaning: "Daughter of the oath" (or "seventh daughter")
• Origin: Hebrew, via French
• Type: Given name
• Usage regions: French-speaking countries
• Related names: Bathsheba (Biblical), Batsheva (Hebrew)