שֶׁוַע
𐤔𐤅𐤏
shevaʻ
H7773 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An exclamation or loud call, often of plea or distress, expressed vocally in moments of urgency or intense need. In biblical usage, denotes a shout, outcry, or invocation directed toward another, frequently addressed to God or a human authority for help or attention.
Semantic Range
a cry, outcry, exclamation for help, loud plea, urgent invocation, halloo
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root שָׁוַע (sh-v-ʿ), which means 'to cry out, call for help, plead, or implore.' שֶׁוַע (shevaʻ) is a noun form indicating the actual cry or outcry resulting from the action of the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שֶׁוַע appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, with primary attestations in poetic or liturgical contexts (e.g., Job 35:9; 36:13). It is almost always used in heightened, urgent settings, expressing desperation or the seeking of intervention—typically divine. The term encapsulates the sound and urgency of an immediate, passionate cry, distinguishing it from more formalized prayers (like תְּפִלָּה, 'tefillah') or general speech. Later Hebrew tradition preserved usage related to supplication or fervent appeal. English translations often render the word as 'cry' or 'outcry,' but these can understate the intensity and focus of the original word. In contrast, words like זְעָקָה (zeʿaqah) may highlight communal wailing, whereas שֶׁוַע leans toward an individual, volitional act. The development of terms for 'crying out' in biblical Hebrew reflects evolving modes of expressing urgent need, especially in poetry and wisdom literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁוַע; a halloo; cry.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שוע (sh-v-ʿ) — cry out, call for help, plead
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7768 | שָׁוַע | I cry out for release |
| H7769 | שׁוּעַ | Cry-for-Help |
| H7771 | שׁוֹעַ | wealthy man of rank |
| H7772 | שׁוֹעַ | and Shoa |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7773-01 |
שַׁוְעִ֗/י | shavei | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my-cry | my outcry | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7773-01 |
Psalms 5:3 | שַׁוְעִ֗/י | shavei | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my-cry | my outcry |