שְׁלֵט (she.let)
she.let
to rule
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shalot carries the weight of exercising authority, often with a sense of force or domination. In the Old Testament, it appears only six times, and its usage is concentrated heavily in the book of Daniel. Here, it describes the power one ruler exerts over another, frequently depicting the harsh reality of political subjugation rather than benevolent leadership.
Its semantic range includes "to have power upon" or "to rule over," but it also carries the nuance of falling upon an enemy in assault. This dual nature suggests that shalot is not merely about holding a title, but about the active and sometimes violent enforcement of will. When Daniel describes foreign kings ruling over Israel, the word underscores their dominance and the lack of resistance from the conquered.
The theological implication in these contexts is stark: human power is real, but it is often exercised through coercion. The text does not shy away from the brutality of such rule, presenting shalot as a reminder of the earthly forces that oppose God’s people. By limiting its occurrence to Daniel, the biblical authors reserve this term for moments when the tension between imperial might and divine sovereignty reaches its peak.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shalat describes ruling with force or domination. It appears only six times in the Old Testament, mostly in Daniel. The text uses it to show how earthly kings exercise power over people, often through coercion rather than kindness. This reminds us that human authority is real but limited.
In Daniel 2:38, God gives Nebuchadnezzar rule over all living things. Even though this power feels absolute, the passage points to God as the ultimate source. No earthly ruler holds power outside of what God permits for a season. This truth brings comfort when we face unfair systems or leaders.
When we see rulers exercising force, it highlights our need for a King who rules with justice and love. Jesus Christ offers a different kind of authority—one that serves rather than dominates. We can trust that God sees the struggles caused by harsh rule and will ultimately establish His perfect kingdom where peace reigns.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will rule1×
- it will rule1×
- it had had power1×
- he will rule1×
- and/ he made ruler/ him1×
- and/ he has made ruler/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּשְׁלַֽט\׃\ \פ1×
- תִשְׁלַ֖ט1×
- שְׁלֵ֨ט1×
- יִשְׁלַֽט\׃\ \ס1×
- וְ/הַשְׁלְטָ֖/ךְ1×
- וְ/הַ֨שְׁלְטֵ֔/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:38
Wherever the children of men dwell, he has given the animals of the field and the birds of the sky into your hand, and has made you rule over them all. You are the head of gold.
This verse shows God granting Nebuchadnezzar authority over all creation, illustrating that even pagan rulers derive their power from the Lord.
-
Daniel 2:39
“After you, another kingdom will arise that is inferior to you; and another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth.
Here the word predicts a future kingdom's dominance, reminding readers that earthly empires rise and fall according to divine timing.
-
Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
The promise of being 'the third ruler' reflects how human power structures offer status, yet these positions are often unstable and temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Shalot mean in the Bible?
Why is Shalot only in Daniel?
How is Shalot different from other words for ruling?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
Wherever the children of men dwell, he has given the animals of the field and the birds of the sky into your hand, and…
Daniel 2:39“After you, another kingdom will arise that is inferior to you; and another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule…
Daniel 2:48Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and…
Daniel 3:27The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these…
Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:16But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…