שְׁבַח (she.vach)
she.vach
to praise
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb shavach means to laud or praise, appearing in only three verses within the biblical text, all located in the book of Daniel. It functions as the Pael stem form of the Hebrew shavach (H7623), carrying a tone of enthusiastic acclaim that borders on adulation. This linguistic choice reflects the formal, courtly environment of the Babylonian exile, where public declarations of honor were standard diplomatic and religious gestures.
Its usage is distinct in its rarity; unlike more common Hebrew terms for praise, shavach appears exclusively in Daniel’s Aramaic sections (Daniel 2:20, 3:26, 4:34). In these contexts, the word underscores the recognition of God’s sovereignty by Gentile rulers. The sources note that it conveys a sense of adoring reverence, fitting for moments when foreign kings acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel before their own courts.
Translators typically render this verb as "praise" or "bless," though the underlying nuance suggests a more active, vocal celebration. The word’s limited scope highlights its specific rhetorical power: it marks pivotal moments where human authority submits to divine rule. By using this particular term, the biblical author emphasizes the weight of these confessions, framing them not as casual compliments but as profound acts of worship in a hostile land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shavach appears only three times in Scripture, always within the book of Daniel. It carries a sense of formal acclaim, often used when foreign rulers acknowledge the power of the God of Israel. This rarity makes its usage significant: it is not casual praise, but a profound recognition of divine sovereignty in hostile environments.
For your faith, this offers comfort that God’s name is honored even by those who do not know Him. When we face difficult seasons or workplace pressures, we can trust that our God is sovereign over all human authority. The biblical author uses this term to show that true worship transcends cultural and political boundaries.
May you find encouragement in knowing that every act of genuine praise, whether spoken in a temple or a boardroom, contributes to the unfolding of God’s purposes. Let your life be a testimony of His wisdom and might, just as Daniel did before kings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have praised1×
- and/ they praised1×
- and/ [am] praising1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁבַּ֑חְתָּ1×
- וּ/מְשַׁבַּח֙1×
- וְ֠/שַׁבַּחוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:23
I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Daniel uses this term to thank God for revealing the king’s dream, highlighting praise as a response to divine wisdom.
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Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Belshazzar’s court praises idols, showing the word’s use in contexts of false worship and human arrogance.
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Daniel 5:23
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
The prophet contrasts the king’s praise of lifeless gods with his failure to honor the living God who holds his breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shavach mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is it different from other words for praise?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what…
Daniel 5:4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Daniel 5:23but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and…