שַׁח (shach)

shach

lowly

H7807 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:A

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:A

Word Overview

The adjective shach describes a state of being low or humble. In Scripture, it conveys physical elevation as well as social or spiritual modesty. The term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, marking its usage as rare and specific.

This single occurrence is found in Job 22:29, where Eliphaz speaks to Job. He claims that when people are brought low, God will deliver them. Here, shach characterizes the condition of those who have experienced humiliation or defeat, suggesting that such a position can become the context for divine intervention.

While the word is not common, its presence in this debate highlights how ancient readers understood humility not just as a virtue but as a circumstance. The text links being lowly with the possibility of rescue, offering a perspective on suffering that contrasts with Eliphaz’s broader accusations against Job.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word shach appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Job 22:29. It describes a state of being low, whether physically, socially, or spiritually. In this verse, Eliphaz suggests that those who are brought low can expect deliverance. This rare term reminds us that humility is not just a virtue we practice, but sometimes a circumstance we endure.

When life brings us down, it does not mean God has abandoned us. The text links being humble with the possibility of rescue. Even in our lowest moments, there is hope for restoration. We can trust that God sees those who are lowly and offers His help when we need it most.

How it's translated

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

and/ [the] lowly of1×

Forms in the text

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

וְ/שַׁ֖ח1×

Key Verses

Job 22:29
When they cast down, you will say, ‘be lifted up.’ He will save the humble person.

This verse uses shach to describe the humble person whom God saves, linking lowliness directly to divine rescue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does shach mean in the Bible?

Shach is a Hebrew adjective meaning 'lowly' or 'humble'. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 22:29. The word can refer to physical elevation, social status, or spiritual modesty.

Why is shach only mentioned once?

The term is rare because other words like anav (humble) are more commonly used for spiritual humility. Shach specifically highlights the condition of being brought low, often as a context for God's intervention.

How does Job 22:29 use this word?

In Job 22:29, Eliphaz says that when people are cast down, God will save the shach (humble person). It suggests that lowliness can be a place where God chooses to act.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Job 1 verse

Job 22:29

When they cast down, you will say, ‘be lifted up.’ He will save the humble person.