Lexical Summary shebaq: To leave, to forsake, to permit Original Word: שְׁבַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leave, let alone (Aramaic) corresponding to the root of Showbeq; to quit, i.e. Allow to remain -- leave, let alone. see HEBREW Showbeq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to the root of Shobeq Definition to leave, let alone NASB Translation alone (1), leave (4), left (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁבַק] verb leave, let alone (ᵑ7 שְׁבַק, Syriac  ; compare Biblical Hebrew, p. 990); — Pe`al Infinitive לְמִשְׁבַּק Daniel 4:23 leave roots, so Imperative masculine plural שְׁבֻ֫קוּ Daniel 4:12; Daniel 4:20 (both with ב location); Ezra 6:7 let alone, with ל accusative of thing. Hithpe`el Imperfect3feminine singular תִּשְׁתְּבִק Daniel 2:44 be left (of kingdom, + ל of a people). Topical Lexicon OverviewThe Aramaic verb שְׁבַק occurs five times, always in exilic or post-exilic settings. Each instance involves the idea of leaving, permitting, or allowing something to remain, underscoring both divine sovereignty and mercy in the unfolding of redemptive history. Primary Usage in Scripture 1. Ezra 6:7 “Leave the work on this house of God alone”. King Darius orders regional officials to stop hindering the rebuilding of the temple. The word signals a royal permission that aligns earthly authority with God’s covenant purpose. 2. Daniel 2:44 “Nor will it be left to another people”. Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, declaring that the eternal kingdom God will establish cannot be handed over to anyone else. The term highlights the inviolability of God’s reign. “Leave the stump with its roots in the ground”. In the dream of the felled tree, the stump represents Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom preserved for future restoration once he recognizes Heaven’s rule. The repeated “leave” underscores judgment tempered by grace. Historical Backdrop Ezra 6:7 reflects the Persian policy of toleration that allowed exiled peoples to restore native worship—yet behind the decree stands the Lord’s providence, ensuring the temple’s completion (Ezra 6:14). Daniel’s occurrences are set in Babylon, where God’s people lived under foreign dominion. The verb frames divine messages to rulers, showing that kings may issue edicts or suffer humiliation, but only because God allows or withholds. Theological Emphases Sovereignty: Every use of שְׁבַק traces permission back to God. Whether permitting construction, preserving a king’s throne, or guaranteeing an everlasting kingdom, the ultimate decision lies with Him. Judgment and Mercy: In Daniel 4 the stump left in the ground symbolizes God’s willingness to discipline without annihilating. The preservation of roots testifies to His restorative intent. Covenant Continuity: Ezra 6 links the post-exilic community with the earlier covenant people. The command to “leave” the work alone safeguards the promise that worship will continue in Jerusalem. Christological and Prophetic Connections Daniel 2:44 looks forward to the Messiah’s reign—a kingdom “that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people.” The inability to transfer or terminate this kingdom anticipates Jesus Christ’s perpetual lordship (Luke 1:33; Revelation 11:15). Ministry and Practical Implications • Encouraging Perseverance: Builders facing opposition, like the returnees in Ezra, can trust God to “leave” open the doors necessary for His work. Related Passages for Further Study Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 29:10–14; Matthew 28:18–20; Hebrews 12:5–11 Forms and Transliterations לְמִשְׁבַּ֞ק למשבק שְׁבֻ֔קוּ שְׁבֻ֕קוּ שבקו תִשְׁתְּבִ֑ק תשתבק lə·miš·baq ləmišbaq lemishBak šə·ḇu·qū šəḇuqū sheVuku ṯiš·tə·ḇiq tishteVik ṯištəḇiqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:7 HEB: שְׁבֻ֕קוּ לַעֲבִידַ֖ת בֵּית־ NAS: Leave this work KJV: of God alone; let the governor INT: Leave work the house Daniel 2:44 Daniel 4:15 Daniel 4:23 Daniel 4:26 5 Occurrences |
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