The Hebrew word châvâh, represented by H2331, is a primitive root that means to declare or show. Though its base meaning relates to living, its intensive use in scripture is to reveal or make something known. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, primarily in contexts of communicating knowledge or opinion.
In the biblical narrative, H2331 is used to describe the act of revealing something that is not immediately visible. In the book of Job, it is used five times, most notably by Elihu, who repeatedly states his intention to shew his opinion (Job 32:10, Job 32:17). He feels compelled to shew what he believes to be true on God's behalf Job 36:2. The word is also used poetically in Psalms, where the heavens silently communicate; "night unto night sheweth knowledge" Psalms 19:2, illustrating a non-verbal form of declaration.
Several related words help illuminate the concept of showing and declaring:
- H1843 dêaʻ (knowledge, opinion): This word is directly linked to H2331 in the book of Job, where Elihu is determined to "shew" his opinion (Job 32:6, Job 32:10, Job 32:17). It represents the specific content being revealed.
- H1847 daʻath (knowledge): In Psalms 19:2, the night "sheweth" knowledge, indicating that creation itself reveals divine wisdom and understanding.
- H5042 nâbaʻ (to gush forth; figuratively, to utter): This word is used in parallel with H2331 in Psalms 19:2, where "Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge," contrasting audible utterance with silent revelation.
- H5608 çâphar (to declare): This term appears alongside H2331 to reinforce the act of communication, as seen when Job's friend states, "I will shew thee... and that which I have seen I will declare" Job 15:17.
The theological weight of H2331 is centered on the theme of revelation, both natural and personal.
- Revelation in Creation: The most significant theological use of H2331 is in describing how the natural order reveals divine truth. The silent progression of night is said to shew knowledge, pointing to a form of general revelation accessible to all Psalms 19:2.
- Human Responsibility to Declare Truth: In the book of Job, the word underscores the human drive to communicate wisdom and perspective, especially concerning God. Elihu uses it to frame his speech as a necessary declaration of his opinion on divine justice (Job 32:10, Job 32:17, Job 36:2).
- Showing and Hearing: The act of "showing" is often paired with an exhortation to "hear," creating a call-and-response dynamic. One is to shew truth, and the other is called to hear it, linking revelation to reception Job 15:17.
In summary, H2331 is a focused and potent term for revelation. While used infrequently, it carries the specific meaning of declaring or showing forth intangible concepts like knowledge and opinion. From the silent testimony of the cosmos in Psalms to the passionate speeches in Job, châvâh emphasizes that truth, whether from God or from human understanding, is something to be actively and intentionally shown.
TRV