Lexical Summary shepha: Abundance, overflow, plenty Original Word: שֶׁפַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance From an unused root meaning to abound; resources -- abundance. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition abundance NASB Translation abundance (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֶׁ֫פַע noun [masculine] abundance; — construct ׳שׁ Deuteronomy 33:19. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Nuance שֶׁפַע conveys the idea of profuse plenty—an overflowing that exceeds mere sufficiency. Unlike common terms for “much” or “many,” this word paints a picture of richness so great that it cannot be contained, whether in material resources, blessings, or glory. Biblical Context and Usage Its single appearance in Deuteronomy 33:19 occurs within Moses’ farewell blessings upon the tribes. Addressing Zebulun and Issachar, Moses declares that they will “feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand” (Deuteronomy 33:19). Here שֶׁפַע anchors the promise to concrete geography—coastlines and trade routes—yet simultaneously telescopes beyond the physical to assure the tribes of God-ordained fullness in every sphere of life. Historical Setting Zebulun’s allotment bordered the sea trade, while Issachar’s territory included fertile valleys open to caravan routes. Archaeological studies of Iron Age Phoenician commerce confirm that Mediterranean shipping lanes pulsed with lucrative trade in purple dye, metal ore, and grain during the period. Moses speaks prophetically to this reality: divine abundance will flow through ordinary labor and commerce under the covenant banner. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Generosity: שֶׁפַע demonstrates that the Abrahamic promise of blessing (Genesis 12:2–3) matures under Mosaic revelation. Abundance is not accidental; it is the outworking of covenant fidelity. Connections with Related Themes • Abundance of mercy—Psalm 103:8 Though expressed with different Hebrew or Greek terms, each instance traces back to the same divine impulse to overflow grace. Ministry and Practical Application • Stewardship: שֶׁפַע reminds believers that plenty is entrusted to serve worship and witness, not self-indulgence (1 Timothy 6:17–19). Christological and Eschatological Outlook In the Messiah, the promise of שֶׁפַע finds its ultimate expression: “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Revelation 21 pictures nations bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem, echoing Deuteronomy 33:19 on a cosmic scale. Thus the solitary Old Testament occurrence reverberates through redemptive history, culminating in everlasting, unthreatened abundance. Key Reflections • Abundance is covenantal before it is material. Forms and Transliterations שֶׁ֤פַע שפע še·p̄a‘ šep̄a‘ ShefaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 33:19 HEB: צֶ֑דֶק כִּ֣י שֶׁ֤פַע יַמִּים֙ יִינָ֔קוּ NAS: For they will draw out the abundance of the seas, KJV: for they shall suck [of] the abundance of the seas, INT: righteous out the abundance of the seas will draw 1 Occurrence |
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