Lexical Summary shach: To bow down, to humble, to be low Original Word: שַׁח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance humble From shachach; sunk, i.e. Downcast -- + humble. see HEBREW shachach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shachach Definition low, lowly NASB Translation humble person* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁח adjective low, lowly; — construct שַׁחעֵֿינַיִם Job 22:39 lowly of eyes, humble. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 7807 (שַׁח, shah) appears only once in the Old Testament (Job 22:29). The single occurrence carries a rich theological weight, portraying the state of a person who has been abased, humbled, or laid low and is subsequently lifted up by God. Though rare in vocabulary, the concept of being “lowly” threads through the whole canon of Scripture, depicting both human frailty and the divine inclination to exalt the humble. Biblical Context Job 22 records Eliphaz’s counsel to Job. In verse 29 he says, “When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up,’ then He will save the lowly” (Berean Standard Bible). Eliphaz’s theology is imperfect, yet the Spirit-inspired text affirms a timeless truth: God intervenes in favor of those reduced to humble dependence on Him. The word שַׁח describes this humbled condition. It emphasizes not merely social status but a heart posture, preparing the way for divine deliverance. Historical and Cultural Insights In patriarchal society, to be “lowly” was to lack power, prestige, and often basic security. Community honor depended on wealth, offspring, and standing in the gate. Against that backdrop, Job’s humiliation—loss of property, children, and health—illustrates שַׁח vividly. The ancients recognized that only a power beyond human agency could reverse such complete abasement. Theology of Humility 1. Divine Favor toward the Lowly These passages confirm a consistent pattern: God’s transcendence does not distance Him from the humble; it motivates His rescue. 2. Reversal Motif Scripture repeatedly presents a reversal of fortunes—the lowly raised, the proud brought down (1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:52). Job 22:29 participates in this motif, foreshadowing the eschatological exaltation of the meek (Matthew 5:5). Christological Implications Jesus embodies the ideal of lowliness (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 11:29). His incarnation and crucifixion display ultimate abasement, while His resurrection manifests the divine lifting promised in Job 22:29. Believers united to Christ are called to the same pattern: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). Ministry Significance 1. Pastoral Care 2. Discipleship Related Biblical Themes and Scriptures • Contrition and revival – Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 66:2 Practical Application Meditate on Job 22:29 during seasons of discouragement. Replace self-pity with expectancy: the covenant God delights to “save the lowly.” Leaders should cultivate a church culture that honors humility over platform, celebrating testimonies of God’s uplifting grace rather than human achievement. Summary Though שַׁח occurs only once, its theological resonance is profound. The one who is abased is precisely the one God is pleased to raise. From Job’s ancient ash heap to the hope of resurrection in Christ, Scripture assures that the Lord “will save the lowly.” Forms and Transliterations וְשַׁ֖ח ושח veShach wə·šaḥ wəšaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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