### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉbach**, represented by `{{H7624}}`, is a term corresponding to שָׁבַח, meaning **to adulate, i.e. adore; praise**. It is a specific term for worship, appearing **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Daniel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical context, `{{H7624}}` is used to describe acts of worship directed at both the true God and false idols. Daniel uses the word when he praises the God of his fathers for granting him wisdom and might [[Daniel 2:23]]. Similarly, after his period of madness, King Nebuchadnezzar praises the most High when his understanding returns [[Daniel 4:34]] and later praises the King of heaven whose works are truth [[Daniel 4:37]]. In stark contrast, the term is also used for the idolatrous worship of Belshazzar and his lords, who praised gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone ([[Daniel 5:4]], [[Daniel 5:23]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify and expand upon the concept of praise and adoration:
* `{{H1289}}` **bᵉrak** (to bless God (as an act of adoration)): This term is used in parallel with `{{H7624}}` when Nebuchadnezzar "blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him" [[Daniel 4:34]].
* `{{H1922}}` **hădar** (to magnify (figuratively); glorify, honour): This word frequently accompanies `{{H7624}}` in Nebuchadnezzar's declarations of praise ([[Daniel 4:34]], [[Daniel 4:37]]). Its absence is highlighted in Belshazzar's case, who praised idols but did not glorify the true God [[Daniel 5:23]].
* `{{H3029}}` **yᵉdâʼ** (to praise; (give) thank(-s)): Daniel explicitly links this action with praise, stating, "I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers" [[Daniel 2:23]].
* `{{H7313}}` **rûwm** (to be high actively, to rise or raise; extol, lift up (self), set up): This word contrasts righteous and unrighteous exaltation. Nebuchadnezzar learns to extol the King of heaven [[Daniel 4:37]], whereas Belshazzar is condemned because he lifted up himself against the Lord of heaven [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7624}}` is centered on the proper object and attitude of worship.
* **The Object of Praise:** The usage of this word starkly contrasts true and false worship. It is used righteously by Daniel and a humbled Nebuchadnezzar toward the God of heaven ([[Daniel 2:23]], [[Daniel 4:34]]), but it is also used for the profane adoration of inanimate idols by Belshazzar [[Daniel 5:4]].
* **Praise as a Response to God:** In the narrative, praise is often a direct response to God's mighty acts. Daniel praises God after receiving divine wisdom [[Daniel 2:23]], and Nebuchadnezzar praises God after his reason is restored [[Daniel 4:34]], acknowledging God's power and mercy.
* **Worship vs. Pride:** The word is used to draw a clear line between humility and pride. Nebuchadnezzar learns to praise the God who can abase the proud [[Daniel 4:37]]. In contrast, Belshazzar's downfall is linked to praising idols while lifting himself up against the Lord, failing to honour the God in whose hand his breath is [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7624}}` is a potent Aramaic word for adoration whose significance is determined entirely by its object. Found exclusively in Daniel, it differentiates the legitimate praise offered to the King of heaven from the empty idolatry offered to gods of wood and stone. Its use alongside terms for blessing, honoring, and extolling underscores the nature of true worship, which stems from a humble recognition of God's ultimate authority and power.
TRV