### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shebeth**, represented by `{{H7674}}`, is derived from a root meaning to rest and conveys concepts of interruption and cessation. It appears only **3 times** in 3 unique verses, but its application varies significantly, being translated as "cease," "sit still," and "loss of time." This demonstrates a word whose meaning is heavily shaped by its context, ranging from personal wisdom to national policy and legal matters.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{H7674}}` in scripture highlight its different facets. In Proverbs, it is presented as a mark of wisdom, stating it is an **honour** for a **man** to **cease** from **strife** [[Proverbs 20:3]]. In a prophetic context, Isaiah declares that the **strength** of God's people is not in foreign alliances but "to **sit still**," indicating that cessation from worldly striving is a posture of faith [[Isaiah 30:7]]. In the Law, the word takes on a legal and financial meaning, requiring a person who causes injury to pay for the victim's **loss of his time**, or the period of forced inactivity [[Exodus 21:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **shebeth** is used:
* `{{H7379}}` **rîyb** (strife): Defined as "a contest (personal or legal)," this word represents the very conflict that is honorable to **cease** from in [[Proverbs 20:3]].
* `{{H7293}}` **rahab** (strength): This word, meaning "bluster(-er); proud, strength," is uniquely defined in [[Isaiah 30:7]], where true **strength** is equated with the act of sitting still `{{H7674}}`, a cessation of human effort.
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (walk): Meaning "to walk," this action is the opposite of the state described in [[Exodus 21:19]]. The "loss of time" `{{H7674}}` is the period when an injured person cannot **walk** abroad, and his ability to do so again marks the end of that cessation.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7674}}` is seen in its application to different areas of life:
* **Honor in Restraint:** The call to **cease** from **strife** is a principle of wisdom. It stands in direct contrast to the actions of a **fool** `{{H191}}`, who will be **meddling** `{{H1566}}` instead of seeking peace [[Proverbs 20:3]].
* **Faith through Inaction:** In Isaiah, the command to **sit still** is a powerful theological statement. Instead of seeking **help** `{{H5826}}` from Egypt, which is described as **in vain** `{{H7385}}`, true strength is found in a quiet trust in God [[Isaiah 30:7]].
* **Justice and Restitution:** The use of **shebeth** in Exodus establishes a legal principle. The "loss of time" is a quantifiable damage that requires payment. This highlights that an interruption to a person's life and work has a tangible cost that must be restored [[Exodus 21:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7674}}` is a multifaceted term whose meaning shifts from honorable restraint in personal conduct to a posture of faithful dependence on God and a legal basis for compensation. Though rare, **shebeth** powerfully illustrates that cessation and stillness can be acts of wisdom, expressions of strength, or tangible losses requiring justice. It captures the idea that sometimes the most significant action is to cease action altogether.
TRV