שֵׁגָל (she.gal)
she.gal
consort
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shēgal refers to a royal consort, specifically the wife or concubine of a king. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only three times, all within the Book of Daniel, where it describes the women connected to the Babylonian court. The term highlights the formal status of these women within the royal household rather than their personal relationships.
Etymologically, shēgal is closely related to the Hebrew word for queen, suggesting a linguistic link between the title and the role itself. While often translated as "concubine" in English versions, the context in Daniel emphasizes their position as part of the king's inner circle. This usage reflects the political structure of the Persian empire, where such figures held significant symbolic weight.
The word’s rarity underscores its specific function in describing the royal family dynamics during the exile. By focusing on these few instances, readers can see how biblical authors used precise terminology to depict the power structures surrounding Daniel and his contemporaries. This attention to detail helps clarify the social setting of the narratives without imposing modern interpretations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shēgal points to a woman of high standing within a royal household, specifically as a consort or concubine to a king. In the Book of Daniel, this term appears only three times, always in the context of Belshazzar’s lavish and defiant feast. It is not merely a label for a personal relationship but a marker of political power and social hierarchy within the Babylonian court.
When we read about these figures drinking from the sacred vessels of Jerusalem, the word shēgal helps us understand the full scope of their arrogance. They were part of the inner circle that believed they could mock the God of Israel with impunity. For believers today, this serves as a sobering reminder that status and privilege do not protect one from divine judgment, nor do they grant authority over the Creator.
Yet, even in this dark moment of rebellion, Daniel stands firm. The narrative shows that human power is fleeting, but God remains sovereign. We can find comfort in knowing that our worth is not defined by our position or titles, but by our standing before the One who holds all authority. This story invites us to examine where we place our trust, ensuring it rests securely in God rather than in the shifting sands of worldly influence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wives/ his2×
- wives/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֵׁגְלָתֵ֖/הּ2×
- שֵֽׁגְלָתָ֣/ךְ1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:2
Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem be brought to him, that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.
This verse introduces the setting by listing the king's wives and concubines as participants in the profane feast, establishing their role in the act of defiance.
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Daniel 5:3
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them.
Here the action is completed as the group drinks from the stolen temple vessels, highlighting the collective nature of their sacrilege.
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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.
Daniel uses this term to confront Belshazzar directly, linking the presence of these consorts to the king's failure to glorify God despite knowing His power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shēgal mean?
Why does this word only appear in Daniel?
How is shēgal different from other words for wife?
What is the significance of these women in Daniel 5?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had…
Daniel 5:3Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the…
Daniel 5:23but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and…