Lexical Summary shephel: Low, humble Original Word: שֶׁפֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance low estate place From shaphel; an humble rank -- low estate (place). see HEBREW shaphel NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaphel Definition low estate or condition NASB Translation humble places (1), low estate (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֵׁ֫פֶל noun [masculine] low estate, condition; — absolute ׳שׁ Ecclesiastes 10:6 (opposed to מְרוֺמִים); suffix שִׁפְלֵנוּ Psalm 136:33. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range שֶׁפֶל (shephel) denotes a state of lowness—social, emotional, or circumstantial. It speaks of being brought down to a humble or abased condition, whether through poverty, oppression, or humiliation. The word does not carry the idea of moral inferiority; rather, it highlights position and status in contrast to exaltation. Occurrences in Canonical Context 1. Psalm 136:23 – “He remembered us in our low estate—His loving devotion endures forever.” This verse links שֶׁפֶל to covenant faithfulness. Israel’s “low estate” recalls bondage in Egypt, wilderness dependence, exile, and every season in which the nation lacked power. YHWH’s steadfast love bridges the gulf between divine glory and human weakness. Theological Significance Shephel underscores the biblical paradox that God champions the humble and opposes the proud. Psalm 138:6 states, “Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly,” while Proverbs 3:34 affirms, “He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble.” In Psalm 136:23, שֶׁפֶל is the platform upon which divine ḥesed (loving devotion) is displayed. The term therefore carries redemptive overtones: God stoops to rescue. Historical Background and Usage in Ancient Israel Israelite society was hierarchical—kings, priests, elders, warriors, and common folk. Catastrophic events such as invasion, captivity, or famine thrust entire populations into שֶׁפֶל. Psalm 136 was likely sung after the return from exile, when Judah was politically powerless yet freshly aware of divine mercy. Ecclesiastes reflects later monarchic or post-exilic bureaucracy in which court intrigue and patronage could elevate folly and demote wisdom, leaving capable citizens in שֶׁפֶל. Spiritual Applications • Humility before God: Believers are invited to acknowledge their שֶׁפֶל so that the Lord may lift them up (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6). Christological and Redemptive Themes Jesus Messiah embraces שֶׁפֶל in the Incarnation: “He made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). His birth in Bethlehem, ministry among the marginalized, and execution outside the city epitomize the low estate. Yet resurrection exaltation fulfills the pattern—first shephel, then glory. In Him the believer’s own lowliness becomes the stage for divine power (2 Corinthians 12:9). Ministerial and Pastoral Implications Preaching can highlight God’s attentiveness to those in שֶׁפֶל, offering hope to congregants facing unemployment, illness, or social exclusion. Counseling should affirm that seasons of lowness are not signs of divine neglect but opportunities for intimate fellowship with the Savior who “learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Mission efforts thrive when servants willingly occupy low positions, modeling Christ’s downward mobility to reach the least and the lost. Related Biblical Themes Humility: Matthew 23:12; Micah 6:8 Divine reversal: Luke 1:52; 1 Samuel 2:8 Steadfast love: Psalm 136 throughout Wisdom versus folly: Proverbs 14:24; Ecclesiastes 10:1–3 Exaltation of the humble: Psalm 147:6; James 4:10 Summary שֶׁפֶל captures the reality of human lowness set against divine compassion and sovereign reversal. Whether depicting an entire nation or an individual believer, the word testifies that God remembers, redeems, and ultimately exalts those who reside in a low estate. Forms and Transliterations בַּשֵּׁ֥פֶל בשפל בשפלנו שֶׁ֭בְּשִׁפְלֵנוּ baš·šê·p̄el bashShefel baššêp̄el bə·šip̄·lê·nū beshiflenu bəšip̄lênūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 136:23 HEB: שֶׁ֭בְּשִׁפְלֵנוּ זָ֣כַר לָ֑נוּ NAS: remembered us in our low estate, For His lovingkindness KJV: Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy INT: our low remembered for Ecclesiastes 10:6 2 Occurrences |
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