שָׁוָה (sha.vah)
sha.vah
be like; to set
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shavah carries the basic sense of being equal, level, or like something else. In its most common form, it describes a state of resemblance or equivalence, often used to compare two things to show they are on the same plane. This usage appears frequently in the Psalms and Proverbs, where it helps establish parallels between human actions and divine character, or between different moral states.
A key nuance lies in its derived stems, which shift the focus from static similarity to active preparation. The piel stem often means to level or smooth out a surface, suggesting the removal of obstacles or irregularities. This concrete image of making ground even provides a vivid backdrop for spiritual concepts, such as preparing a path or establishing justice that is fair and balanced.
Translators sometimes render this word as "set" or "place," particularly when it implies establishing something in a fixed position. This usage highlights the stability that comes from being firmly established. By combining ideas of likeness with those of leveling and setting, shavah offers a rich vocabulary for describing how things relate to one another in both physical and moral terms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shavah invites us to consider how we position ourselves in relation to God and others. In Psalms 16:8, the psalmist declares, "I have set Yahweh always before me." This is not just a mental exercise but a deliberate act of placing God at the center of one’s vision. When we fix our eyes on Him, we find stability that does not waver, even when circumstances shift around us.
Proverbs 26:4 offers a different angle: "Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him." Here, shavah warns against becoming what we oppose. It reminds us that our responses shape our character. We are called to maintain our integrity rather than sinking into the patterns of those who reject wisdom.
Isaiah 40:25 asks, "To whom then will you liken me? Who is my equal?" This rhetorical question grounds our humility. No human effort or creation can match the Holy One. Recognizing this difference frees us from the burden of trying to be God and allows us to rest in His sufficient grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they compare2×
- I have placed2×
- you should become like1×
- will I make equal1×
- she is like1×
- it was equal1×
- he made1×
- he has leveled1×
- and/ you may make [me] equal?1×
- and/ I may be equal?1×
- [is] equal1×
- [is] appropriate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹׁוֶ֖ה3×
- יִֽשְׁווּ\־2×
- תִּשְׁוֶה\־1×
- שָׁ֥וָה1×
- שִׁוָּ֣ה1×
- שִׁוִּֽיתִי\׃1×
- שִׁוִּ֬יתִי1×
- שִׁוִּ֨יתִי\׀1×
- שִׁוִּ֤יתִי1×
- נִשְׁתָּוָֽה\׃1×
- מְשַׁוֶּ֥ה1×
- יְשַׁוֶּה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 16:8
I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
This verse uses shavah to describe the deliberate act of positioning Yahweh as the constant focus of the believer's life, ensuring spiritual stability.
-
Proverbs 26:4
Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
Here the word warns against adopting the foolish behavior one seeks to correct, highlighting the danger of becoming like what one opposes.
-
Isaiah 40:25
“To whom then will you liken me? Who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
The prophet uses shavah in a rhetorical question to emphasize the absolute uniqueness and incomparability of God against all created things.