a primitive root; properly, to address in aloud tone, i.e. (specifically) loud; figuratively, to pacify (as if by words); commend, glory, keep in, praise, still, triumph.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâbach**, represented by `{{H7623}}`, is a primitive root that properly means to address in a loud tone. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses**, and its meaning extends figuratively to encompass actions like pacifying, commending, stilling, or expressing praise and triumph.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7623}}` is used in several key contexts. In the Psalms, it describes God's absolute power over creation. He is the one who **stilleth** the noise of the seas and their waves [[Psalms 65:7]] and who **stillest** the raging sea when its waves arise [[Psalms 89:9]]. The word is also a direct expression of worship. The psalmist declares, "my lips shall **praise** thee" because of God's lovingkindness [[Psalms 63:3]], and it is a command for all nations to **praise** the LORD [[Psalms 117:1]]. Figuratively, it is used by a wise man who **keepeth** his mind in, or pacifies it [[Proverbs 29:11]], and by the writer of Ecclesiastes to **commend** mirth [[Ecclesiastes 8:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of praise and pacification:
* `{{H1984}}` **hâlal** (a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine): This word for 'praise' is often used in parallel with shâbach, creating a powerful call to worship, as seen when all nations are called to 'praise' (hâlal) the LORD and 'praise' (shâbach) him [[Psalms 117:1]].
* `{{H8416}}` **tᵉhillâh** (laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn; praise): This noun refers to the praise itself. Believers are called not just to give thanks but to **triumph** (shâbach) in God's **praise** (tᵉhillâh) [[Psalms 106:47]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (from an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the south; sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward)): This word for 'sea' is the object of the stilling action of shâbach, highlighting God's power to pacify what is chaotic and raging [[Psalms 89:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7623}}` is significant and varied.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The use of `{{H7623}}` to describe God stilling the seas demonstrates His ultimate authority over the forces of nature. He pacifies the raging waves and the noise of the seas, showing that even the most chaotic elements are under His control ([[Psalms 65:7]], [[Psalms 89:9]]).
* **The Scope of Praise:** The call to praise is universal. The command in the Psalms extends beyond Israel to "all ye nations" and "all ye people," indicating that the worship of the LORD is for all humanity [[Psalms 117:1]].
* **The Nature of Praise:** Praise is both an outward declaration and an inward state of triumph. It is expressed through the lips [[Psalms 63:3]] and passed down through generations [[Psalms 145:4]]. Furthermore, it is something to "glory" or "triumph" in, tied to God's holy name [[1 Chronicles 16:35]].
* **Wisdom as Self-Control:** Figuratively, the concept of "stilling" or "pacifying" is applied to human wisdom. A wise man **keepeth** his mind in, exercising restraint, which is contrasted with the fool who utters all his mind [[Proverbs 29:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7623}}` carries a rich, dual meaning of both vocal praise and powerful pacification. It is used to describe God's sovereign ability to **still** the chaos of creation, as well as the universal call for all people to **praise** and **triumph** in Him. Figuratively, it extends to the commendation of earthly things and the wisdom of self-restraint. The word **shâbach** thus reveals a dynamic concept, connecting the loud triumph of worship with the quiet strength that brings peace.
TRV