### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shôʻal**, represented by `{{H8168}}`, describes the **hollow of the hand** or a **handful**. It is derived from an unused root meaning to hollow out. Appearing only **3 times** in 3 unique verses, its significance comes from its use in contexts of measurement, value, and scale.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H8168}}` varies dramatically across its few appearances. In Isaiah, it is used to depict the immense power of God, who has **measured** `{{H4058}}` the **waters** `{{H4325}}` in the **hollow of his hand** [[Isaiah 40:12]]. In contrast, King **Ben-Hadad** `{{H1130}}` uses it to express contempt, boasting that the **dust** `{{H6083}}` of Samaria would not be enough to provide **handfuls** for his followers [[1 Kings 20:10]]. Finally, in Ezekiel, it signifies a trivial and corrupting payment, as God's name is polluted for **handfuls** of **barley** `{{H8184}}` and **pieces** `{{H6595}}` of bread [[Ezekiel 13:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the meaning of **shôʻal** in its contexts:
* `{{H6083}}` **ʻâphâr** (dust): This word for **dust** or earth is the substance being measured by **handfuls** in both God's creative power [[Isaiah 40:12]] and in Ben-Hadad's boast of destruction [[1 Kings 20:10]].
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): This grain is specified as the profane payment offered in **handfuls** `{{H8168}}` to corrupt God's people and cause them to lie [[Ezekiel 13:19]].
* `{{H4058}}` **mâdad** (measure): This root for measuring is used in the context of God's creative power, where He **measured** `{{H4058}}` the waters with the hollow of His hand [[Isaiah 40:12]].
* `{{H6595}}` **path** (a bit; meat, morsel, piece): Paired with **handfuls** of barley, this word emphasizes the small, almost worthless value of the bribe used to **pollute** `{{H2490}}` God's name [[Ezekiel 13:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8168}}` is found in its contrasting applications.
* **Divine Omnipotence:** The term is used to establish a scale for God's immeasurable power. He can comprehend all the **dust** `{{H6083}}` of the **earth** `{{H776}}` and hold all its **waters** `{{H4325}}` in the **hollow of his hand** [[Isaiah 40:12]].
* **Human Insignificance and Pride:** A **handful** is used to express both a trivial quantity and great contempt. Ben-Hadad's threat implies his army is so vast that the entirety of **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` is less than a **handful** of dust for each man [[1 Kings 20:10]].
* **The Price of Corruption:** The word highlights how small worldly gains can lead to great sin. False prophets **pollute** `{{H2490}}` God for mere **handfuls** `{{H8168}}` of barley, leading to the death of **souls** `{{H5315}}` that should not **die** `{{H4191}}` [[Ezekiel 13:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8168}}` is a term whose meaning is defined by its powerful and varied contexts. While literally meaning a **handful**, it serves as a measure for the infinite power of God, the arrogant boasts of men, and the low value placed on righteousness by the corrupt. It demonstrates how a simple word can convey profound concepts of scale, worth, and the vast difference between the divine and the mortal.
TRV