שׁוֹעַ (sho.a)
sho.a
rich; cry
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shoʿa presents a striking linguistic duality, functioning as both an adjective and a noun with seemingly unrelated meanings. As an adjective, it describes someone who is noble, independent, or rich in status. This sense of high station appears in contexts where social hierarchy is discussed, highlighting the dignity associated with freedom from servitude.
As a noun, however, shoʿa shifts dramatically to mean a cry, specifically a war-cry or a desperate call for help. This usage is rare in Scripture, appearing notably in Isaiah 22:5, where it describes the loud noise of battle and distress. The juxtaposition of these meanings suggests that the "cry" might be the shout of a free warrior or noble leader, distinct from the silence of the oppressed.
Its limited occurrence—found primarily in Isaiah and Job—underscores its specialized nature. Translators must carefully discern whether the context points to social rank or auditory alarm. This word reminds readers that ancient Hebrew often packed complex social and situational nuances into single terms, requiring attention to the surrounding narrative to capture the full intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shoʿa carries a weight that spans from social standing to spiritual distress. In Job, it describes those of high rank or wealth, reminding us that God’s gaze does not favor the powerful over the poor. This equality before the Creator offers comfort: your status in society does not determine your value in His eyes.
Yet in Isaiah, the same root shifts to a desperate cry for help amidst chaos. Here, it captures the sound of walls breaking and hope fading. It is a raw expression of human vulnerability when earthly structures fail. This duality invites us to look beyond titles and wealth, recognizing that true security rests not in our position or possessions, but in God’s presence.
Whether you find yourself in a place of influence or one of profound need, this word bridges the gap. It assures us that the One who sees the noble also hears the cry of the afflicted. We are invited to rest in the knowledge that He is attentive to every voice, regardless of its volume or the speaker’s station.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eminent person1×
- and/ a crying out1×
- a rich person1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֽׁוֹעַ\׃1×
- שׁ֭וֹעַ1×
- וְ/שׁ֥וֹעַ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 34:19
He doesn’t respect the persons of princes, nor respect the rich more than the poor, for they all are the work of his hands.
This verse uses the word to highlight God’s impartiality, showing that wealth or rank does not grant Him special favor.
-
Isaiah 22:5
For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision, a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains.”
Here the term describes a loud cry of distress during national crisis, emphasizing the intensity of the people's fear and confusion.
-
Isaiah 32:5
The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
The word appears in a context where social labels are reversed, indicating that true nobility is defined by character rather than status.