Lexical Summary shay: Gift, tribute, present Original Word: שַׁי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance present Probably from shavah; a gift (as available) -- present. see HEBREW shavah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a gift (offered as homage) NASB Translation gift of homage (1), gifts (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁי noun masculine gift offered as homage (√ dubious; perhaps in spite of שׁ =  Arabic  , verb wish,  thing (weakened from thing desired); compare חֵפֶץ 4); — ׳יוּבַל שׁ Isaiah 18:7, ׳יֹבִילוּ שׁ Psalm 76:12, שָׁ֑י ׳יוֺב Psalm 68:30. שׁיא proper name, masculine 2 Samuel 20:25 Kt, see שְׁוָא Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Conceptual Rangeשַׁי frames the idea of a voluntary “gift” or formal “tribute” rendered to a superior. While its lexical root stresses something presented, the surrounding contexts elevate the term beyond mere diplomacy; the gift functions as an act of homage that acknowledges the recipient’s sovereignty. Old Testament Occurrences • Psalm 68:29 situates the gift within worship at the Jerusalem sanctuary: “Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bear You gifts.” Across these three texts, the giver (kings, surrounding peoples, distant nations) and the locale (the Temple or Zion) vary, yet the unifying theme is this: the greatness of God draws tangible expressions of allegiance. Historical Backdrop In the ancient Near East, tribute affirmed a vassal’s loyalty to a suzerain. Israel’s monarchs likewise received such offerings (2 Chronicles 9:23-24). Shai, however, is uniquely directed toward the LORD, replacing political expediency with covenant devotion. The Psalms likely reflect occasions when foreign rulers recognized Israel’s God after military victories (compare 2 Samuel 8:6-11). Isaiah 18:7 may anticipate an historical embassy from Cush (Ethiopia) to Jerusalem in Hezekiah’s era, yet the prophetic horizon points further to messianic fulfillment. Theological Themes 1. Divine Kingship Shai underscores that Yahweh is not merely Israel’s God but the world’s King. Tribute paid to Him affirms universal sovereignty (Psalm 47:2-9). 2. Worship-Centered Mission Isaiah 18:7 links global evangelistic reach and true worship: the nations flow to Zion not empty-handed but with offerings, echoing Isaiah 2:2-4 and Micah 4:1-4. 3. Eschatological Hope The motif converges with messianic passages—Psalm 72:10-11; Isaiah 60:5-7—where tribute signifies worldwide peace under the Davidic King. Revelation 21:24-26 presents the consummation: “The kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into [the New Jerusalem].” Practical and Ministry Significance • Stewardship and Giving Believers today emulate shai when they joyfully dedicate resources to God’s purposes (2 Corinthians 9:7), acknowledging His ownership and advancing gospel witness. • Worship Integrity External gifts must flow from an undivided heart (Psalm 51:17). Genuine tribute is inseparable from obedience and reverence. • Missional Outlook Psalm 76:11 anticipates “surrounding peoples” joining covenant worship. Modern missions continue this impulse, inviting all nations to yield tribute of praise to Christ (Romans 15:16). Related Biblical Motifs – Gold, frankincense, and myrrh offered to the infant Messiah (Matthew 2:11) echo shai’s royal homage. – Freewill offerings (nedabah) complement shai, stressing voluntary devotion (Exodus 35:29). – The “living sacrifice” of Romans 12:1 transposes material tribute into holistic self-offering. In sum, שַׁי weaves through Scripture as a thread that ties worship, kingdom, and mission together, reminding God’s people that every act of giving—whether resources, praise, or life itself—declares, “The LORD reigns.” Forms and Transliterations שַׁ֜י שַׁ֝֗י שָֽׁי׃ שי שי׃ šay šāy ShaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 68:29 HEB: יוֹבִ֖ילוּ מְלָכִ֣ים שָֽׁי׃ NAS: Kings will bring gifts to You. KJV: shall kings bring presents unto thee. INT: will bring Kings gifts Psalm 76:11 Isaiah 18:7 |
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