שֵׁיזִב (she.zav)
she.zav
to rescue
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb shezib means to deliver or rescue, appearing only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Daniel. It functions as a Peal (or Peil) form, serving as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew shuv, though its specific sense here is focused on physical or political liberation rather than general repentance.
Its usage highlights God’s power to intervene in foreign courts. In Daniel 2:18 and 2:28, it describes the rescue of Daniel and his friends from death, emphasizing divine protection over human wisdom. The word underscores that true deliverance comes from the God of heaven, not earthly kings.
Though rare, its presence in Daniel reinforces a key theme: God preserves His people even in exile. Translators typically render it as "deliver" or "save," capturing the sense of being pulled out of danger by a higher authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a burning furnace, it is natural to look for safety in our own strength or the approval of those around us. This Aramaic word for rescue reminds us that true deliverance comes from the God of heaven, not from earthly powers. It anchors our hope in a God who sees us even when we are in exile or under pressure.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows that trusting God does not always mean avoiding the fire. They believed He was able to save them, yet they were also willing to face the flames if He chose otherwise. This word invites us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He preserves His people through every trial.
Whether you are facing a difficult decision or a sudden crisis, you can bring your fears to Him. He is not distant but actively involved in the lives of those who trust in Him. May you find peace in the knowledge that your deliverer is faithful and near.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ deliver/ us1×
- he will deliver/ you1×
- he will deliver1×
- and/ he has delivered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/שֵׁיזָבוּתַ֑/נָא1×
- יְשֵׁיזִֽב\׃1×
- יְשֵֽׁיזְבִנְ/כ֖וֹן1×
- וְ/שֵׁיזִ֣ב1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:15
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good; but if you don’t worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who is that god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
The king challenges the Hebrews by asking which god can rescue them from his authority, highlighting the clash between earthly power and divine protection.
-
Daniel 3:17
If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
The servants declare God's ability to deliver them, showing that their trust is rooted in His power rather than a guarantee of escape.
-
Daniel 3:28
Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god except their own God.
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that the God of these men sent an angel to rescue his servants, confirming divine intervention in a royal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word shezib mean?
Why does this word appear only in Daniel?
How is this different from the Hebrew word for repent?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…
Daniel 3:17If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out…
Daniel 3:28Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and…