### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shallîyṭ**, represented by `{{H7989}}`, refers to one who is potent, a ruler, or mighty. With its root in the concept of power, it is used to describe a governor, a warrior, or anyone who has authority. It is a rare term, appearing only 4 times in 4 unique verses, primarily to explore the nature of human power and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7989}}` designates both specific roles and abstract concepts of power. It is used concretely to describe Joseph as the **governor** over the land of Egypt, highlighting his administrative authority [[Genesis 42:6]]. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the term appears three times. It describes the potential for error that proceeds from a **ruler** [[Ecclesiastes 10:5]], a group of ten **mighty** men whose collective strength is less than that of one wise person [[Ecclesiastes 7:19]], and ultimately, the limit of human ability, stating that no man has **power** over the spirit to retain it [[Ecclesiastes 8:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of authority and power associated with `{{H7989}}`:
* `{{H7983}}` **shilṭôwn**: This Aramaic word for **power** appears alongside `{{H7989}}` to emphasize the limits of human authority, stating that man has neither power over the spirit nor **power** in the day of death [[Ecclesiastes 8:8]].
* `{{H5810}}` **ʻâzaz** (to be stout, prevail, strengthen): This verb is used to show that wisdom **strengtheneth** the wise more than ten mighty `{{H7989}}` men, contrasting inner strength with physical or political might [[Ecclesiastes 7:19]].
* `{{H3607}}` **kâlâʼ** (to restrict, hold back, retain): This word directly qualifies the type of power a ruler `{{H7989}}` lacks, specifying that no man has the power to **retain** the spirit on the day of his death [[Ecclesiastes 8:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7989}}` is centered on the distinction between human and divine authority.
* **Earthly Governance:** The term is used to establish the concept of human rule, as with Joseph in his role as **governor** [[Genesis 42:6]]. It also acknowledges the fallibility of such rulers, where an evil can proceed from them [[Ecclesiastes 10:5]].
* **The Limitation of Might:** The word is used to explore a core theme in wisdom literature: the limits of human power. Ecclesiastes makes it clear that a man with power `{{H7989}}` cannot control ultimate matters like life and death [[Ecclesiastes 8:8]].
* **Wisdom Over Strength:** The comparison between wisdom and ten **mighty** `{{H7989}}` men establishes a spiritual hierarchy where wisdom is presented as a greater source of strength than a council of powerful leaders [[Ecclesiastes 7:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7989}}` is a focused and potent term that conveys the idea of a powerful ruler or authority figure. While it can denote a legitimate and high-ranking official like Joseph, its primary use in scripture, particularly in Ecclesiastes, is to contrast the scope of human governance with its ultimate limitations. It effectively illustrates that earthly power, whether held by a governor or mighty men, is finite and subordinate to greater forces like death and wisdom.
TRV