### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שִׁפְלָה (transliterated as *shiphlâh*, `{{H8218}}`) is derived from the root שָׁפַל (shâphal, `{{H8213}}`), meaning "to be low, humble, or abased." As a feminine noun, *shiphlâh* denotes a state or place of lowness. Its primary semantic range encompasses both a literal "depression" or "low place" (referring to a geographical feature like a valley or a low-lying area) and a metaphorical "low state" or "humble position." The base definition provided, "depression; low place," accurately captures this dual potential, though its single biblical occurrence leans towards the latter, indicating a position of diminished status or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *shiphlâh* (`{{H8218}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Ecclesiastes 10:6]]. The verse reads: "Folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in **lowly places**."
In this context, *shiphlâh* clearly refers to a position of social or hierarchical lowness, contrasting sharply with "great dignity" (רוֹמִים, *romim*, lit. "heights" or "exalted places"). The Preacher, Qoheleth, laments the perceived inversion of proper order in the world "under the sun." He observes that foolish individuals are often elevated to positions of honor and authority, while those who are "rich" (perhaps signifying the wise, capable, or truly deserving) are relegated to positions of insignificance, obscurity, or humble status. This use of *shiphlâh* highlights a state of being brought low, not necessarily through personal humility, but through the arbitrary and often unjust machinations of human society. It underscores Qoheleth's pervasive theme of the enigmatic and often frustrating nature of life, where merit does not always correspond to reward or status.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The primary verbal root is שָׁפַל (shâphal, `{{H8213}}`), meaning "to be low, to humble oneself, to be abased." This verb is frequently used to describe a state of humility, whether chosen (e.g., [[Leviticus 13:45]] - "his head bare") or imposed (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:9]] - "man is humbled").
* **Related Nouns/Adjectives:**
* שֶׁפֶל (shephel, `{{H8217}}`): The masculine noun form, also meaning "lowness" or "humility." It can denote a state of lowliness or a humble condition.
* שִׁפּוּל (shippûl, `{{H8215}}`): Refers to the "lower part" or "bottom" of something, often in a physical sense (e.g., the hem of a garment).
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:**
* רוּם (rum): The concept of "height," "exaltation," or "dignity," explicitly contrasted with *shiphlâh* in [[Ecclesiastes 10:6]].
* גָּבַהּ (gavah, `{{H1361}}`): "To be high, exalted," often associated with pride or divine elevation.
* כָּבֵד (kaved, `{{H3513}}`): "Heavy," which can extend to "weighty," "honorable," or "glorious," representing the opposite of a low or insignificant state.
The semantic field surrounding *shiphlâh* thus revolves around concepts of lowness, humility, abasement, and insignificance, often contrasted with their opposites: height, exaltation, and honor.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of *shiphlâh* (`{{H8218}}`) in [[Ecclesiastes 10:6]] is profound within the context of wisdom literature. It serves as a poignant illustration of the Preacher's observations concerning the apparent disjunction between divine justice and human experience "under the sun."
1. **The Inverted Order of the World:** The presence of *shiphlâh* highlights a key theme in Ecclesiastes: the frustrating reality that the world often operates contrary to what wisdom and righteousness would dictate. The "lowly places" are where the deserving find themselves, not due to humility, but due to the perversion of justice and the capriciousness of human affairs. This challenges simplistic notions of immediate divine retribution or reward.
2. **Human Frailty and Injustice:** The verse underscores the vulnerability of even the "rich" (interpreted as the capable or wise) to the arbitrary decisions of those in power. It speaks to the human capacity for folly and the resulting injustice that can relegate worthy individuals to positions of little influence or respect.
3. **Contrast with Divine Principles:** While Ecclesiastes laments this human-imposed "lowness," the broader biblical narrative often presents a divine perspective where God "raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes" ([[Psalm 113:7-8]]). The New Testament echoes this, proclaiming that "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" ([[Luke 14:11]]; [[Matthew 23:12]]). Thus, *shiphlâh* in Ecclesiastes represents an *unjust* lowness in the human sphere, a stark contrast to the divine principle of exalting the truly humble. It serves as a lament over the brokenness of the world that necessitates divine intervention for true justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שִׁפְלָה (*shiphlâh*, `{{H8218}}`) signifies a "depression" or "low place," both literally and metaphorically. Its singular occurrence in [[Ecclesiastes 10:6]] powerfully illustrates Qoheleth's lament over the human condition: the wise and capable are often relegated to "lowly places" while folly is exalted. This use of *shiphlâh* highlights an imposed state of insignificance or debasement, rather than chosen humility. The term thus encapsulates a key theological insight of Ecclesiastes, revealing the frustrating and often unjust inversion of order observed in the world, where merit does not guarantee honor, and the deserving may find themselves in positions of unmerited lowliness. It stands as a testament to the Preacher's keen observation of life's paradoxes and the need for a perspective beyond what is "under the sun."
TRV