שֵׁ֫פֶל (she.phel)
she.phel
poverty
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun shephel describes a state of being low, whether in social standing, physical position, or economic condition. It refers to a "low estate" or humble circumstances, capturing the reality of living in a place or situation that is physically or socially beneath others. In the biblical text, this word often highlights the contrast between those who are elevated and powerful and those who occupy the lower rungs of society.
With only two occurrences in Scripture, its usage is precise rather than broad. It appears in Psalms 113:7-8, where God lifts the poor from the dust to sit with princes, illustrating a divine reversal of status. The term also surfaces in Ecclesiastes 4:14, describing a young man who rises from prison to become king, emphasizing how quickly one’s low estate can change through opportunity or wisdom.
Its root suggests something that is brought down or humbled, reinforcing the idea of a condition that is not self-chosen but imposed by circumstance. Translators often render it as "poverty" or "lowliness," though these English words can carry emotional baggage that the Hebrew does not necessarily include. The focus remains on the objective reality of being in a low position, rather than the subjective feeling of shame.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shephel describes a state of being low, whether in social standing, physical position, or economic condition. It refers to a "low estate" or humble circumstances, capturing the reality of living in a place or situation that is physically or socially beneath others.
In Psalms 136:23, we see God remembering us in our low estate. This reminds us that our current circumstances do not define our worth in His eyes. He sees those who are humble and raises them up, offering hope to anyone feeling overlooked or undervalued by the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- who/ in/ low condition/ our1×
- in the/ low place1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֭/בְּ/שִׁפְלֵ/נוּ1×
- בַּ/שֵּׁ֥פֶל1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 136:23
who remembered us in our low estate, for his loving kindness endures forever;
This verse highlights God's faithful remembrance of His people during their most humble and difficult times, showing that His love endures even when we are in a low estate.
-
Ecclesiastes 10:6
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.
Here the word illustrates the unexpected nature of worldly status, where folly can occupy high positions while the wise or worthy remain in a low place, challenging our assumptions about success and honor.