a primitive root; to sink, literally or figuratively; bow down, incline, humble.
Transliteration:shûwach
Pronunciation:shoo'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb שׁוּחַ (shûwach, `{{H7743}}`) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to sink" or "to go down." This fundamental sense extends to a rich semantic range, encompassing both literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal:** It describes a physical downward movement, such as "to bow down" the body or head, "to incline," or "to crouch." This posture can signify respect, submission, grief, or even a predatory stance.
* **Figurative:** The concept of "sinking" extends to a state of being "brought low" or "abased." This can be:
* **Voluntary:** To humble oneself, to show deference or reverence.
* **Involuntary:** To be humbled, subdued, or cast down by external forces, whether by divine judgment, the actions of enemies, or the weight of affliction and despair.
Distinction from similar terms is crucial. While `{{H7812}}` (shachah) is the primary verb for bowing down in worship or prostration, שׁוּחַ often carries a stronger connotation of being "made low" or "sunk," frequently in contexts of distress, defeat, or divine judgment, even when describing a physical bow. It emphasizes the *condition* of being low, rather than solely the *act* of bowing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb שׁוּחַ appears approximately 24 times in the Hebrew Bible, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Voluntary Humility/Submission:**
* In [[Judges 11:35]], Jephthah's daughter "bowed down" (שׁוּחַ) to her father, a gesture of respect and submission, albeit in a context of profound sorrow.
* In [[Micah 6:6]], the prophet asks, "With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself (שׁוּחַ) before God on high?" Here, it denotes a voluntary act of humbling oneself in preparation for worship or seeking divine favor.
* **Involuntary Humbling/Abasement (by Divine Action or Circumstance):**
* **Defeat and Subjugation of Enemies:** [[2 Samuel 22:43]] (paralleled in [[Psalm 18:42]]) describes crushing enemies and "treading them down" (שׁוּחַ) like mire. [[Job 9:13]] speaks of the mythical helpers of Rahab "bowing themselves" (שׁוּחַ) under God's power. [[Job 40:12]] states God's ability to "bring him low" (שׁוּחַ) who is proud. [[Isaiah 10:4]] prophesies that the Assyrians will "bow down" (שׁוּחַ) among the prisoners.
* **Divine Judgment on Pride and Cities:** A prominent theme in Isaiah, where God declares His intent to cause humanity to "sink" or be "humbled" (שׁוּחַ) due to their arrogance ([[Isaiah 2:9]], [[Isaiah 2:11]], [[Isaiah 2:17]], [[Isaiah 5:15]]). God also "brings down" (שׁוּחַ) the high fortifications of cities ([[Isaiah 25:12]], [[Isaiah 26:5]]), and Jerusalem itself is prophesied to be "brought low" (שׁוּחַ) and speak from the dust ([[Isaiah 29:4]]).
* **State of Distress, Sorrow, and Oppression:** The word vividly portrays the physical and emotional impact of suffering. [[Psalm 35:14]] describes one "bowed down" (שׁוּחַ) in grief. [[Psalm 44:25]] laments, "For our soul is bowed down (שׁוּחַ) to the dust; our body clings to the ground," expressing extreme humiliation and despair. [[Psalm 107:39]] depicts people being "brought low" (שׁוּחַ) through oppression and sorrow. [[Lamentations 3:20]] powerfully states, "My soul still remembers and is bowed down (שׁוּחַ) within me," conveying deep internal anguish.
* **Consequence of Wickedness:** [[Proverbs 14:32]] states that "The wicked is overthrown (שׁוּחַ) by his wickedness," indicating a downfall or abasement resulting from their own sin.
* **Wickedness in Action:** [[Psalm 10:10]] depicts the wicked oppressor who "crouches" (שׁוּחַ) and lies low to ambush the helpless, a deceptive and predatory posture.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שׁוּחַ intersects with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H7812}}` (shachah):** "To bow down, prostrate oneself." While sharing the physical act of bowing, `{{H7812}}` is more consistently used for worshipful prostration or respectful obeisance. שׁוּחַ, as noted, often carries a stronger nuance of being brought low, whether willingly or unwillingly, by circumstance or divine decree.
* **`{{H6915}}` (qadad):** "To bow the head." A more specific physical action, often indicating reverence, respect, or intense grief.
* **`{{H8213}}` (shaphel):** "To be low, humble, abase." This term shares the meaning of bringing low or being low, but does not primarily describe a physical posture like שׁוּחַ.
* **`{{H3665}}` (kana'):** "To be humbled, subdued." Often used for forced submission or being brought low, especially in the context of judgment or conquest.
* **Pride and Humility:** The concept of שׁוּחַ is frequently contrasted with human pride, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. God's judgment is often depicted as the act of causing the proud to "sink" or "bow low," thereby demonstrating His ultimate authority (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:9]], [[Isaiah 2:11]], [[Isaiah 2:17]]).
* **Affliction and Deliverance:** The word's usage in contexts of suffering and despair highlights the human experience of being "bowed down" by life's hardships, setting the stage for God's deliverance and lifting up of the afflicted.
### Theological Significance
The verb שׁוּחַ carries profound theological significance, illustrating key aspects of divine character and human experience:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** A dominant theological theme is God's absolute power to humble the proud and bring down the exalted. This is a consistent demonstration of His justice and sovereignty, asserting that no human strength, arrogance, or fortified city can withstand His judgment. He alone is to be exalted (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:11]]).
2. **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion:** The "sinking" or "being brought low" often serves as a direct, tangible consequence of human sin, wickedness, and rebellion against God. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that those who defy God will ultimately be abased.
3. **The Human Condition of Frailty and Dependence:** In contexts of sorrow, distress, and oppression, שׁוּחַ poignantly expresses the human experience of being overwhelmed and brought low by circumstances. This highlights humanity's inherent vulnerability and dependence on a higher power, fostering a proper sense of humility before God.
4. **The Nature of True Humility:** While often depicting involuntary abasement, the word also encompasses the positive, voluntary act of humbling oneself before God (e.g., [[Micah 6:6]]). This voluntary humility is a prerequisite for seeking and receiving divine favor, contrasting sharply with the forced humbling of the proud. It speaks to a heart posture of reverence and submission.
5. **The Paradox of Exaltation through Humility:** The biblical narrative frequently presents a paradox: those whom God brings low (the proud) are abased, but those who humble themselves (voluntarily or through affliction leading to repentance) are ultimately lifted up and exalted by Him (cf. [[James 4:10]], [[1 Peter 5:6]]). The experience of being "brought low" can thus be a transformative pathway to deeper reliance on God and eventual spiritual elevation.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb שׁוּחַ (shûwach, `{{H7743}}`) fundamentally conveys the idea of "to sink" or "to go down," extending to a nuanced range of meanings including physical bowing, inclining, and, significantly, humbling. Its biblical usage reveals a dual nature: it describes both the involuntary abasement of the proud and wicked by divine judgment or overwhelming circumstances, and the voluntary act of humble submission before God. Theologically, שׁוּחַ profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power to bring down the haughty, the inevitable consequences of sin, and the inherent frailty of humanity. It also points to the proper posture of reverence and humility that God desires from His people, making it a word rich in both judgment and the call to contrite worship.
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