### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שֹׁעַל (shôʻal, `{{H8168}}`) derives from an unused root signifying "to hollow out." This etymological root is crucial, as it immediately points to the concave nature of the object described. Its primary meaning is "the palm" or "the hollow of the hand," emphasizing the cupped shape of the hand that is capable of holding or containing. By extension, it also refers to "a handful," indicating the quantity that can be held within the hollow of the palm. Thus, the semantic range of *shôʻal* encompasses both the physical part of the hand designed for containment and the measure of what that hand can contain. It is distinct from more general terms for "hand" (e.g., `{{H3027}}`, *yad*), specifically highlighting the hand's capacity as a receptacle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, the term שֹׁעַל (shôʻal, `{{H8168}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly poignant and significant.
* **[[Isaiah 40:12]]**: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and marked off the heavens with a span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Who has weighed the mountains in a scale, and the hills in a balance?"
In this majestic passage from Isaiah, the word *shôʻal* (here, בְּשָׁעֳלוֹ, "in His hollow of the hand") is employed in a rhetorical question designed to underscore the incomparable greatness and omnipotence of God. The prophet challenges the reader to consider who else could possibly perform such cosmic feats. The imagery of measuring the vast "waters" (likely referring to all the oceans and seas) within the "hollow of His hand" is a powerful hyperbole. It serves to illustrate the effortless ease with which God, the Creator, manages and controls the entirety of His creation. The context is one of divine transcendence, contrasting God's infinite power with the finite capacities of humanity and the created order. The use of *shôʻal* here emphasizes not just the act of holding, but the absolute diminishment of the immense (waters) when compared to the divine being who holds them.
### Related Words & Concepts
While שֹׁעַל (shôʻal, `{{H8168}}`) is unique in its singular occurrence, its meaning resonates with several related biblical concepts and terms:
* **`{{H3027}}` (yad)**: The most common Hebrew word for "hand." While *yad* refers to the hand generally, *shôʻal* specifies the *hollow* or *palm*, emphasizing its function as a container or a measure.
* **`{{H7062}}` (qōmeṣ)**: This term refers to "a handful," often specifically of grain or flour, particularly in the context of offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:2]]). While *qōmeṣ* denotes the quantity gathered by the hand, *shôʻal* can refer to both the hand's capacity and the amount contained within it. The distinction lies in *qōmeṣ* often implying an action of scooping, whereas *shôʻal* highlights the inherent container-like quality of the cupped hand.
* **Concepts of Divine Measurement and Scale**: The broader context of [[Isaiah 40:12]] involves other units of divine measurement (span, measure, scale, balance), all of which serve to highlight God's immeasurable superiority over creation. *Shôʻal* fits perfectly within this theme, demonstrating that even the most immense aspects of creation are negligible when measured by God's standard.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Creation**: The word contributes to the overarching biblical themes of God as the sovereign Creator, who brought the cosmos into being and sustains it with effortless power.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of שֹׁעַל (shôʻal, `{{H8168}}`) in [[Isaiah 40:12]] carries profound theological weight, primarily serving to articulate the vastness of God's power and transcendence.
1. **Divine Omnipotence and Transcendence**: The imagery of God holding the world's waters in the "hollow of His hand" is a powerful metaphor for His absolute control and effortless mastery over creation. It communicates that for God, the seemingly insurmountable forces and vast elements of the cosmos are utterly manageable and insignificant in comparison to His infinite being. This diminishes human anxieties and magnifies divine capability.
2. **Incomparability of God**: The rhetorical question format of [[Isaiah 40:12]] emphasizes that God is utterly unique and incomparable. No other being, human or divine, possesses the ability to measure creation with such ease. This reinforces monotheistic theology, asserting God's unrivaled status.
3. **Comfort and Assurance**: For the original audience, who were facing the overwhelming reality of exile and despair, this portrayal of God offered immense comfort. If God could so effortlessly manage the entire cosmos, He was certainly capable of delivering and restoring His seemingly insignificant people. Their greatest trials were, to Him, no more than a handful of water.
4. **Creator-Creature Distinction**: The word *shôʻal* vividly illustrates the infinite qualitative difference between the Creator and creation. The created order, no matter how vast or powerful it appears to humanity, is utterly subservient to and dependent upon the God who holds it in His hand.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֹׁעַל (shôʻal, `{{H8168}}`) signifies "the hollow of the hand" or "a handful," stemming from a root meaning "to hollow out." Despite its singular appearance in the biblical text, its usage in [[Isaiah 40:12]] is exceptionally potent. There, it forms part of a rhetorical question that magnifies God's immeasurable power and transcendence, portraying Him as effortlessly holding the vast waters of the earth within the hollow of His hand. This imagery serves as a profound metaphor for divine omnipotence, the incomparable nature of God, and the comfort His sovereignty offers to His people. Though rare, *shôʻal* powerfully conveys the vast disparity between the Creator and creation, underscoring God's absolute control over all things.
TRV