שָׁוָה

shâvâh /shaw-vaw'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to level, i.e. equalize
Meaningfiguratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e. counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, etc.)
KJV usageavail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shâvâh, represented by H7737, is a primitive root with a core meaning of leveling or equalizing. It appears 22 times in 21 verses, demonstrating a range of figurative and applied meanings, including to resemble, adjust, place, profit, or compare. This versatility allows it to convey concepts from making ground plain to assessing the ultimate value of wisdom or the unique nature of God.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H7737 appears in several distinct contexts. It is frequently used to challenge the comparison of anything to God, as in the question, "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal?" Isaiah 40:25. The word also signifies the act of placing or setting something in a position of importance. David declares, "I have set the LORD always before me" Psalms 16:8, indicating a deliberate alignment of his life with God's presence. In a different sense, it is used to calculate value or profit, such as when Haman argues that it is not for the king's profit to allow the Jewish people to remain Esther 3:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the nuances of comparison, value, and placement associated with H7737:

  • H1819 dâmâh (to compare): This root is often used in parallel with shâvâh to ask what can be likened to God Isaiah 46:5. It focuses on resemblance and making comparisons.
  • H4911 mâshal (to liken): This word is also used alongside shâvâh and dâmâh to emphasize God's incomparability Isaiah 46:5. It can also refer to using figurative language, such as a proverb Ezekiel 18:2.
  • H3477 yâshâr (straight, right): This term connects to the core idea of leveling in shâvâh. Something that is right or straight provides a proper standard, which is perverted by sin, an act that ultimately does not profit H7737 the sinner Job 33:27.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7737 is significant, highlighting key truths about God and wisdom.

  • Divine Incomparability: The word is used repeatedly to establish that there is no one and nothing that can be equaled with God. This concept underscores His absolute uniqueness and sovereignty over all creation (Isaiah 40:25, Isaiah 46:5).
  • Foundational Alignment: By laying God's judgments H4941 before oneself Psalms 119:30 or setting the LORD H3068 as a constant presence Psalms 16:8, the believer establishes a firm, unshakeable spiritual foundation. This action brings stability, as the psalmist concludes, "I shall not be moved" H4131.
  • A Divine Standard of Value: The word serves as a measure for what is truly worthwhile. Wisdom's value is so great that nothing else can be compared to it (Proverbs 3:15, Proverbs 8:11). Conversely, sin is exposed as something that ultimately offers no profit Job 33:27.

Summary

In summary, H7737 moves from the simple idea of leveling to the profound work of spiritual and moral evaluation. It is used to declare God's unmatched nature, to describe the foundational act of placing Him at the center of one's life, and to measure the true worth of wisdom against the emptiness of sin. The word teaches that all things must be made level and compared against the perfect, righteous, and incomparable standard of God himself.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Piel Perfect 1st Singular common gender 5×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Piel Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Conjunction+Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Nithpael Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 21 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Psalms (6 verses).

1
2 Samuel
3
Esther
1
Job
6
Psalms
4
Proverbs
4
Isaiah
1
Lamentations
1
Hosea

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