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H7804 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שֵׁיזַב
shezab
Verb (Aramaic)
to deliver, rescue, save

Definition

Shezab is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew natsal (deliver/rescue), appearing 5 times in the book of Daniel in the context of miraculous divine deliverance. It is the word used by Daniel's three friends — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — and by King Darius concerning Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den. As an Aramaic term, it places Israel's God's power for salvation within the universal language of the ancient Near East.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theology of shezab is bold confessional faith. In Daniel 3:17, the three young men declare: 'our God whom we serve is able to deliver [shezab] us from the burning fiery furnace.' Remarkably, they add in verse 18: 'But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods.' This is faith unconditioned by outcome — the theology of Hebrews 11's 'hall of faith' where some were delivered and some were not, but all died in faith. Shezab anchors miraculous deliverance in God's character and sovereignty, not in human circumstances.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver [shezab] us from it.
Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued [shezab] his servants!'
Daniel 6:14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue [shezab] Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.
Daniel 6:27 He rescues [shezab] and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.
Hebrews 11:34 Who through faith quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength.

Related Words

External Resources

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