שֶׁ֫בֶת (she.vet)
she.vet
cessation
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shevet denotes a state of cessation or sitting still. It appears in only three verses across the Old Testament, primarily within Proverbs and Isaiah, with one occurrence in Exodus. The core sense is not merely physical rest but a definitive pause or end to activity.
Lexical sources note that the precise meaning in certain contexts remains uncertain. This ambiguity suggests the word captures a nuanced quietude, perhaps implying the relief that follows labor or the stillness of divine judgment. Its rarity highlights its specific function as a marker of concluded action rather than general peace.
Translators typically render it as "rest" or "cessation," depending on the surrounding narrative. In Proverbs, it likely contrasts with the chaos of strife, while in Isaiah, it may reflect the finality of God's words. The word serves as a linguistic anchor for moments where movement stops and attention turns inward.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shevet points to a deliberate stopping of activity. It is not just taking a break from work, but reaching a point where motion ends and attention turns inward. In a life that often feels like it must keep moving forward, this concept offers a different kind of strength. Sometimes the most faithful response to chaos is to simply stop.
When we face conflict or pressure, our instinct is often to push harder or argue back. The wisdom found in Proverbs suggests that holding back from strife brings honor. This quietude allows us to see clearly rather than react blindly. It creates space for healing and for God’s voice to be heard above the noise.
This stillness is not passive weakness. It is a firm stance against unnecessary turmoil. Whether it is the relief after labor or the pause before judgment, shevet reminds us that not every moment requires action. There is grace in knowing when to sit still and let things settle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sitting still/ his1×
- cessation1×
- a sitting still1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָֽׁבֶת\׃1×
- שֶׁ֣בֶת1×
- שִׁבְתּ֛/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 20:3
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
This verse links the concept of keeping aloof from strife with honor, showing that shevet represents a wise restraint rather than mere inactivity.
-
Isaiah 30:7
For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore I have called her Rahab who sits still.
Here the word describes Egypt as 'Rahab who sits still,' using shevet to depict the finality and futility of opposition against God's purpose.
-
Exodus 21:19
if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.
In this legal context, the cessation of conflict is marked by the victim's recovery, highlighting how stillness can follow a period of harm and healing.