Lexical Summary shobel: Train, hem, flowing skirt Original Word: שׁבֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leg From an unused root meaning to flow; a lady's train (as trailing after her) -- leg. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition flowing skirt, train NASB Translation skirt (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֹׁ֫בֶל noun [masculine] flowing skirt, train; — absolute ׳חֶשְׂמִּישֿׁ Isaiah 47:2 strip off (thy) train. Topical Lexicon Definition and imagery Shebel denotes the flowing skirt or train of a robe—a loose, trailing section of cloth that sways behind the wearer. In the Hebrew mind a garment’s extremities symbolized dignity, rank, and, at times, vulnerability. A rich, sweeping train signified honor; its forced exposure portrayed disgrace. Biblical occurrence The term appears once, in Isaiah 47 2, where “Daughter Babylon” is commanded, “Lift up your skirt, bare your thigh, wade through the rivers”. The prophetic picture strips the proud empire of the finery that once proclaimed her splendor. What Babylon flaunted for glory becomes the instrument of her humiliation. Cultural and historical backdrop 1. Attire and status: In the Ancient Near East, length and ornamentation of a robe advertised social rank (Genesis 37 3; 2 Samuel 13 18, though different Hebrew words are used). A flowing hem indicated leisure and authority; servants typically girded garments short for labor. Theological significance – Judgment reverses pride: Babylon once “sat enthroned” (Isaiah 47 1); uncovering her skirt dramatizes the reversal that divine justice brings. The empire that paraded luxury will perform menial tasks, grinding meal like a captive woman (Isaiah 47 2). – Exposure equals shame: Throughout Scripture the unveiling of what should remain covered depicts dishonor (Nahum 3 5; Lamentations 1 8). The solitary use of shebel amplifies that message—Babylon’s distinctive grandeur cannot withstand the LORD’s verdict. – Contrast with divine majesty: Whereas Babylon’s train is shamed, the Lord’s train “fills the temple” (Isaiah 6 1, using another Hebrew word). Human pomp collapses; divine glory is unassailable. Intertextual echoes Isaiah’s imagery resonates with: The broad biblical narrative warns that outward splendor without righteousness invites exposure. Practical lessons for ministry 1. Modesty and humility: Clothing can express heart attitudes. Believers heed exhortations such as 1 Timothy 2 9-10, valuing godliness over display. Key references for further study Isaiah 47 1-15; Isaiah 6 1; Exodus 28 31-35; Numbers 15 37-41; Nahum 3 5-7; Revelation 18 1-24 Forms and Transliterations שֹׁ֛בֶל שבל Shoel šō·ḇel šōḇelLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 47:2 HEB: צַמָּתֵ֧ךְ חֶשְׂפִּי־ שֹׁ֛בֶל גַּלִּי־ שׁ֖וֹק NAS: strip off the skirt, Uncover KJV: make bare the leg, uncover INT: your veil strip the skirt Uncover the leg |
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