### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb שְׁבַח (shᵉbach), Strong's number `{{H7624}}`, carries the fundamental meaning of "to praise," "to laud," or "to extol." Its base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew verb שָׁבַח (shavach, `{{H7623}}`), indicating a shared semantic core of high commendation and adoration. The nuance of "adulate" or "adore" suggests a form of praise that moves beyond mere commendation to a deep reverence and glorification. It implies an acknowledgment of superior worth, power, or excellence, often in a worshipful context. The semantic range thus includes expressions of worship, glorification, and the attribution of honor and majesty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb שְׁבַח (shᵉbach, `{{H7624}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, primarily in the Aramaic sections, and offers profound insights into the nature of praise, particularly from unexpected sources.
* **Praise of God by Nebuchadnezzar:**
* In [[Daniel 2:47]], after Daniel reveals and interprets the king's dream, Nebuchadnezzar exclaims, "Truly your God is God of gods and Lord of kings and revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery." The use of שְׁבַח here signifies the king's astonished acknowledgment and praise of Yahweh's supreme power and wisdom, contrasting sharply with the impotence of his own wise men and gods.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 3:28]], following the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar declares, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him..." This praise is a direct response to God's demonstrated faithfulness and power, leading to a decree that no one should speak against the God of these men.
* The most extensive instance is in [[Daniel 4:34]] (and the parallel [[Daniel 4:37]]), where Nebuchadnezzar, after his period of madness and restoration, offers a profound doxology: "At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised (שְׁבַח) and honored him who lives forever..." Here, his praise is born of personal experience of God's humbling and restoring power, leading to a declaration of God's eternal dominion and unchallengeable sovereignty. This is a powerful testament to God's ability to elicit praise even from the most powerful and previously idolatrous rulers.
* **Praise of Idols vs. True God:**
* In [[Daniel 5:4]], during Belshazzar's feast, the king and his nobles "drank wine and praised (שְׁבַח) the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone." This verse highlights the misplaced and idolatrous praise directed towards lifeless objects, setting a stark contrast with the true God.
* This contrast is reinforced in [[Daniel 5:23]], where Daniel rebukes Belshazzar, stating, "but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought before you the vessels of his house, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised (שְׁבַח) the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified." Here, the failure to "glorify" (a related concept to praise) the true God, while praising idols, underscores the spiritual blindness and rebellion that led to Belshazzar's downfall.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is its Hebrew counterpart, שָׁבַח (shavach, `{{H7623}}`), which shares the core meaning of "to praise" or "to laud." While less frequent in the Hebrew Bible, it appears in Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 63:3]], [[Psalm 145:4]]) and Chronicles, often in contexts of exalting God.
Other significant Hebrew words for "praise" include:
* הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`): The most common word for praise, often associated with exuberant, boisterous praise, from which "hallelujah" derives.
* יָדָה (yadah, `{{H3034}}`): To give thanks, confess, or praise, often with extended hands.
* זָמַר (zamar, `{{H2167}}`): To sing praise, make music, often with instruments.
* תְּהִלָּה (tehillah, `{{H8416}}`): A noun meaning "praise," "hymn," or "song of praise," often referring to the collective praise of God.
The concept of שְׁבַח (shᵉbach) is intertwined with broader theological concepts such as:
* **Worship:** The act of showing reverence and adoration for God.
* **Adoration:** Deep love and respect, often expressed through praise.
* **Glorification:** Acknowledging and magnifying God's inherent majesty and attributes.
* **Thanksgiving:** Expressing gratitude for God's actions and character.
* **Exaltation:** Lifting God up as supreme and sovereign.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׁבַח (shᵉbach) lies primarily in its portrayal of God as the sole worthy recipient of ultimate praise, even from those outside the covenant community. The instances in Daniel reveal that God's power and wisdom are so undeniably manifest that even pagan kings, initially hostile or ignorant, are compelled to acknowledge and praise Him. This highlights:
1. **God's Sovereignty and Self-Revelation:** The praise offered by Nebuchadnezzar is not a result of Israelite evangelism but a direct consequence of God's intervention and self-revelation (e.g., through dreams, miraculous deliverance). It demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and rulers, and He can prompt praise from anyone He chooses.
2. **The Nature of True Praise:** It is a response to divine truth and power. When Nebuchadnezzar praises, it is because he has witnessed God's unparalleled ability to reveal mysteries and deliver His servants. This underscores that genuine praise is rooted in an understanding and experience of God's character and deeds.
3. **The Exclusivity of God's Worthiness:** The contrast in Daniel 5, where Belshazzar praises idols instead of the true God, serves as a stark warning. It emphasizes that praise directed towards anything other than the living God is idolatry and leads to judgment. Only the God "in whose hand is your breath" is worthy of such adoration.
4. **A Universal Call to Praise:** While specific to the Aramaic sections, the use of שְׁבַח in Daniel foreshadows a broader biblical theme: the eventual recognition and praise of Yahweh by all peoples. It suggests that God's glory will ultimately be acknowledged by all creation.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb שְׁBַח (shᵉbach, `{{H7624}}`) signifies to praise, laud, or adore, corresponding to the Hebrew שָׁבַח (shavach, `{{H7623}}`). Its occurrences are limited to the Aramaic portions of Daniel, where it powerfully illustrates the compelling nature of God's self-revelation. Most notably, it describes the praise offered to the God of Israel by pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar, who, confronted with undeniable displays of divine power and wisdom, are moved to acknowledge and extol Him. This contrasts sharply with the idolatrous praise of false gods by Belshazzar, highlighting God's exclusive worthiness. The theological significance of שְׁבַח thus underscores God's supreme sovereignty, His ability to elicit praise from all, and the critical distinction between true adoration of the living God and the futile praise of lifeless idols. It serves as a testament to God's glory, which compels even the most unlikely individuals to acknowledge His unparalleled majesty.
TRV