### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun shᵉphôwṭ (`{{H8196}}`) is presented as a derivative of the verb shâphaṭ (`{{H8199}}`), which means "to judge," "to govern," or "to decide." While shâphaṭ describes the act of judging, shᵉphôwṭ refers to the *result* or *outcome* of that judgment. Its primary semantic range, as indicated by its definition, encompasses "a judicial sentence," and more specifically, "punishment" or "condemnation." It points to the decreed consequence or pronouncement that follows a legal or divine determination, rather than the process of adjudication itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is a notable point of scholarly observation that the lemma shᵉphôwṭ (`{{H8196}}`), in its specified form (שְׁפוֹט or שְׁפוּט), does not appear in the extant Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. While Strong's Concordance assigns it a number and definition, it does not provide a specific verse reference for its occurrence, and comprehensive searches of the Hebrew biblical corpus confirm its absence. Therefore, unlike many other biblical words, shᵉphôwṭ cannot be analyzed through direct contextual usage within scripture. Its meaning is solely derived from its etymological connection to shâphaṭ (`{{H8199}}`) and the interpretive work of lexicographers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verb from which shᵉphôwṭ is derived: shâphaṭ (`{{H8199}}`), "to judge, govern, decide, execute judgment." This root is foundational to the biblical understanding of justice and governance.
Other key nominal derivatives include:
* mishpâṭ (`{{H4941}}`): This is a highly significant and frequently occurring noun, encompassing a broad range of meanings such as "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "custom," "legal right," and "manner." It can refer to the act of judging, the legal process, the verdict, or the established order of righteousness.
* shôphêṭ (`{{H8198}}`): This noun refers to a "judge" or "governor," the one who performs the act of shâphaṭ.
If shᵉphôwṭ (`{{H8196}}`) were present in the biblical text, its relationship to mishpâṭ (`{{H4941}}`) would be one of specificity. While mishpâṭ covers the full spectrum of judgment, shᵉphôwṭ would likely narrow the focus to the punitive aspect of a judicial outcome. Concepts related to shᵉphôwṭ would therefore include "condemnation," "divine retribution," "penalty," and the "execution of justice" as a consequence of transgression.
### Theological Significance
Though shᵉphôwṭ (`{{H8196}}`) does not appear in the biblical text, its theoretical definition—"a judicial sentence, i.e., punishment"—underscores a profound theological truth inherent in God's character and His interaction with creation. The very possibility of such a word, derived from the core concept of divine judgment (shâphaṭ, `{{H8199}}`), highlights that God's justice is not merely an abstract principle but one that culminates in decisive and often consequential pronouncements.
The emphasis on "punishment" within its definition points to the retributive aspect of divine justice, a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament. God's holiness demands a response to sin, and this response frequently involves the meting out of consequences, whether through natural law, historical events, or direct divine intervention. This concept aligns with the numerous biblical narratives where God's mishpâṭ (`{{H4941}}`) leads to tangible outcomes for both obedience and disobedience, reinforcing His sovereignty and righteousness as the ultimate Judge who holds humanity accountable. The notion of a "sentence" speaks to the certainty and finality of divine decrees regarding sin and righteousness.
### Summary
shᵉphôwṭ (`{{H8196}}`) is a Hebrew noun defined as "a judicial sentence, i.e., punishment; judgment," derived from the verb shâphaṭ (`{{H8199}}`, "to judge"). Critically, this specific lemma does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, meaning its meaning is derived from its root and lexicographical interpretation rather than direct textual usage. Despite its absence, its proposed meaning articulates a vital aspect of biblical theology: the certainty of divine judgment and the consequential nature of God's righteous decrees. It highlights the punitive outcome of justice, emphasizing that God's mishpâṭ (`{{H4941}}`) is not merely a concept but results in concrete, often disciplinary, sentences for sin.
TRV