The Hebrew word shôwaʻ, represented by H7771, carries a dual meaning related to both social standing and audible expression. Derived from a root sense of freedom, its definitions include a noble, liberal, or opulent person, as well as a halloo or cry. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, with translations including rich, bountiful, and crying.
In its biblical applications, H7771 is used in distinct contexts that highlight its versatile meaning. In the book of Job, it refers to the rich whom God does not favor over the poor, establishing a theme of divine impartiality Job 34:19. In Isaiah, it takes on a different sense, describing the crying to the mountains during a day of divine judgment characterized by trouble and perplexity Isaiah 22:5. The term is also used in a prophetic declaration that a churlish person will no longer be considered bountiful, signifying a future where true character is rightly discerned Isaiah 32:5.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H7771 appears:
- H1800 dal: Meaning weak, needy, or poor, this word is used in direct contrast to H7771 to emphasize that God does not regard the rich more than the poor Job 34:19.
- H4103 mᵉhûwmâh: This word for trouble, confusion, or tumult is used alongside H7771 to describe the atmosphere of judgment from the Lord Isaiah 22:5.
- H8269 sar: As a term for a prince or head person, it appears alongside H7771 to show that God is impartial to social hierarchies, accepting neither princes nor the rich based on their status Job 34:19.
- H4001 mᵉbûwçâh: Meaning a treading down, this term is linked with the "crying" of H7771 in Isaiah's prophecy, painting a picture of devastation and distress Isaiah 22:5.
The theological weight of H7771 is demonstrated in its varied uses across scripture.
- Divine Impartiality: The word is central to the principle that God's justice is not influenced by wealth or status. He does not regard the rich H7771 over the poor H1800, as all are the work of His hands Job 34:19.
- A Cry of Judgment: In a prophetic context, H7771 is not a cry for help but a cry of anguish in response to God's judgment. It is part of a day of trouble H4103 and perplexity H3998 sent by the Lord Isaiah 22:5.
- Moral and Social Rectitude: The term is used to distinguish true character from mere appearance. In a restored kingdom, a deceitful person will no longer be deceptively called bountiful H7771, reflecting a time of moral clarity Isaiah 32:5.
In summary, while shôwaʻ H7771 is used infrequently, it powerfully conveys concepts of both high social status and desperate cries. It serves as a key term in discussions of God's impartiality toward the rich and powerful, as an expression of distress during divine judgment, and as a descriptor of generosity in prophecies concerning future righteousness. Its dual meaning illustrates how a single term can be applied to vastly different human conditions, from opulence to anguish.
TRV