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שׁוּבָה (shu.vah)

shu.vah

returning

H7729 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun shuvah denotes a deliberate act of retirement or withdrawal, often in the context of stepping back from conflict or military engagement. Unlike the more common verb shuv, which describes the general action of turning back, this specific form emphasizes the state or result of having withdrawn.

Its single occurrence in Isaiah 30:15 highlights this nuance within a prophetic warning. The text contrasts human reliance on political alliances with the divine requirement for quietness and trust. Here, shuvah represents the necessary pause from frantic activity, framing rest not as idleness but as a strategic retreat into faith.

Translators typically render this word as "rest" or "quietness," capturing the peace that comes from ceasing struggle. The term underscores a theological point: true strength is found not in aggressive expansion, but in the disciplined withdrawal from self-reliant efforts.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word shuvah points to a deliberate pause, a conscious step back from the noise of striving. In Isaiah 30:15, it is paired with quietness and confidence as the very means of salvation. This suggests that our strength does not come from pushing harder or securing more alliances, but from trusting in God's presence.

When life feels chaotic, this word invites us to rest. It is not laziness or defeat, but a strategic withdrawal into faith. By ceasing our frantic efforts, we make room for divine peace to take its place. This quiet trust becomes the foundation for genuine security.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • in/ returning1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בְּ/שׁוּבָ֤ה1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 30:15
    For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence.” You refused,

    This verse uniquely links shuvah with salvation, framing rest as an active posture of trust rather than passive inactivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does shuvah mean in the Bible?

Shuvah is a Hebrew noun meaning 'returning' or 'rest.' It appears only once in Isaiah 30:15, where it describes a deliberate withdrawal from conflict into trust in God. It emphasizes the state of having turned back to God's care rather than continuing in self-reliant effort.

How is shuvah different from the verb shuv?

While shuv is the common verb for 'to turn back' or 'return,' shuvah is a noun focusing on the result or state of that return. It highlights the peace and stability found after stepping away from struggle, rather than the action itself.

Why is rest important in Isaiah 30:15?

In this verse, rest (shuvah) is presented as the path to salvation and strength. God contrasts human anxiety and political maneuvering with the quiet confidence that comes from trusting Him. It shows that true security is found in stillness, not in frantic action.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Isaiah 1 verse
Isaiah 30:15

For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be…