שֶׁ֫פֶט (she.phet)
she.phet
judgment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun shephet signifies an act of judgment or the administration of justice. In the Hebrew Bible, it refers to the concrete exercise of authority to settle disputes and enforce right order. The sources indicate this word appears in six verses, with notable occurrences in Exodus and Proverbs where legal and social responsibilities are discussed.
Its meaning is grounded in action rather than abstract theory. When used in texts like Exodus, it often relates to the duties of leaders or judges who must ensure fairness. In Proverbs, it highlights the importance of righteous decision-making in maintaining community stability. The word captures the moment when a ruling is made and applied.
This term emphasizes the process of discerning truth and delivering a verdict. It is closely linked to the role of those entrusted with governance, reflecting the expectation that authority should be exercised with integrity. Unlike broader terms for justice, shephet focuses on the specific act of judging a case. This usage underscores the biblical view that proper judgment is essential for societal health.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shephet points to the concrete act of judging or executing justice. It is not merely an abstract idea but a decisive action taken to settle disputes and restore order. In the biblical narrative, this term often highlights God’s active role in correcting wrongs and delivering His people from oppression.
For your faith, this offers comfort that God sees injustice and acts with purpose. Whether through historical deliverance or personal guidance, He ensures that truth prevails. This reminds us that justice is not passive; it is a dynamic force that upholds righteousness and protects the vulnerable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- acts of judgment2×
- with/ acts of judgment1×
- judgments1×
- judgment<s>1×
- and/ with/ acts of judgment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁפָטִֽים\׃2×
- שְׁפָטִ֖ים1×
- שְׁפָטִ֑ים1×
- וּ/בִ/שְׁפָטִ֖ים1×
- בִּ/שְׁפָטִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:6
Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments.
This verse links shephet directly to God’s redemptive power, showing that His judgments are acts of liberation for His people rather than mere punishment.
-
Exodus 12:12
For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. I am Yahweh.
Here the word describes God’s specific judicial action against the gods of Egypt, demonstrating His supreme authority over all false powers.
-
Proverbs 19:29
Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
In this wisdom context, shephet refers to the inevitable consequences prepared for those who reject instruction, highlighting moral order in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shephet mean in the Bible?
How is shephet different from mishpat?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 4 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,…
Exodus 7:4But Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring out my armies, my people the children of…
Exodus 12:12For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man…