(Aramaic) corresponding to שָׁפֵל; {to depress or sink (expectation figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)}; abase, humble, put down, subdue.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉphal**, represented by `{{H8214}}`, is used to **abase**, **humble**, **put down**, or **subdue**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term, corresponding to a Hebrew root, describes the act of depressing or sinking, and is used figuratively to convey humiliation, either as an action taken against someone or an internal state of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H8214}}` is consistently linked to themes of power, pride, and authority within the book of Daniel. It describes the ultimate power of the King of heaven, who is able to **abase** those who walk in pride [[Daniel 4:37]]. It is also used to critique King Belshazzar, who did not **humble** his own heart despite knowing his father's history [[Daniel 5:22]]. The word illustrates the scope of a king's authority, who could set up whom he would and **put down** whom he would [[Daniel 5:19]]. Finally, in a prophetic vision, it signifies political and military conquest, where a future king will rise and **subdue** three other kings [[Daniel 7:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the concept of humbling and exaltation:
* `{{H7313}}` **rûwm**: This word means to **extol** or **lift up** and is used as a direct counterpart to `{{H8214}}`. It appears in passages describing a king's power to "set up" or "put down" [[Daniel 5:19]] and in Nebuchadnezzar's declaration to **extol** God, who can **abase** the proud [[Daniel 4:37]].
* `{{H1467}}` **gêvâh**: Defined as **pride**, this term is presented as the direct cause for being humbled. God is able to **abase** `{{H8214}}` those who walk in **pride** [[Daniel 4:37]].
* `{{H1922}}` **hădar**: Meaning to **glorify** or **honour**, this word is often used in the context of worship. Nebuchadnezzar learns to **honour** God after his own humbling [[Daniel 4:37]], while Belshazzar is condemned because he failed to **glorify** God [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8214}}` is centered on the divine-human power dynamic.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word underscores God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers. While a human king might "put down" subjects [[Daniel 5:19]], it is God who ultimately abases proud kings like Nebuchadnezzar [[Daniel 4:37]].
* **The Mandate of Humility:** It establishes a clear moral and spiritual principle. Pride leads to being abased by God, while a failure to humble one's heart brings judgment, as seen in the case of Belshazzar [[Daniel 5:22]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Its use in prophecy [[Daniel 7:24]] illustrates that the rise and fall of kingdoms, including the act of subduing kings, is part of a divinely overseen plan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8214}}` is a potent word that encapsulates the biblical theme of pride and humility. Though appearing only a few times, it is central to the lessons in the book of Daniel, defining the consequences of arrogance and the scope of both human and divine power. It illustrates that whether exercised by a king or by God himself, the power to **put down**, **subdue**, or **abase** is a key element in the administration of justice and the outworking of sovereignty.
TRV