שְׁפֵל (she.phal)
she.phal
be low
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaphal describes a state of being low in status, power, or physical height. In its basic sense, it indicates humility or degradation, often serving as the direct opposite of words meaning to exalt or lift up. This term appears only three times in the Old Testament, with two occurrences found in the book of Daniel.
In these passages, the word carries significant theological weight regarding divine sovereignty. It describes how God actively brings down proud kingdoms and rulers, humbling them to demonstrate that ultimate authority belongs to Him alone rather than to earthly empires. The verb captures the sudden reversal of fortune where human pride meets divine judgment.
Translators typically render this word as "bring low" or "humble," emphasizing the action of reduction in rank or power. This usage highlights a consistent biblical theme: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, ensuring that no earthly power remains unchallenged by His will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb shaphal reminds us that God holds the scales of justice. He is not passive regarding pride or arrogance. When human power becomes oppressive or self-exalting, God actively brings it down. This is not random cruelty but a necessary correction to restore balance and acknowledge His ultimate authority over all nations and rulers.
For your daily life, this truth offers profound comfort. You do not need to defend yourself against unjust treatment or wait for earthly vindication. God sees the humble heart and the proud oppressor alike. He promises to lift up those who trust in Him while humbling those who rely solely on their own strength.
Belshazzar’s story in Daniel warns us against ignoring what we know to be true. When we acknowledge our need for God, we find grace. When we cling to power, we invite judgment. Let this word encourage you to rest in His sovereignty rather than striving for your own exaltation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have brought low1×
- he will bring low1×
- bringing low1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשְׁפִּֽיל\׃1×
- יְהַשְׁפִּֽל\׃1×
- הַשְׁפֵּ֖לְתְּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to, and he kept alive whom he wanted to. He raised up whom he wanted to, and he put down whom he wanted to.
This verse establishes God's absolute right to raise up or put down leaders, showing that political power is delegated and revocable by Him.
-
Daniel 5:22
“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,
Here the word describes the failure of Belshazzar to humble himself despite knowing God's previous acts, leading directly to his downfall.
-
Daniel 7:24
As for the ten horns, ten kings will arise out of this kingdom. Another will arise after them; and he will be different from the former, and he will put down three kings.
The final occurrence predicts a future ruler who will actively subdue three kings, illustrating the theme of divine judgment on arrogant earthly powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shaphal mean in the Bible?
How is shaphal different from other words for humility?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He…
Daniel 5:22“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,
Daniel 7:24As for the ten horns, ten kings will arise out of this kingdom. Another will arise after them; and he will be different…