Shaphal means low in position, humble, or brought down. It can describe physical lowness (a low tree, a valley), social humility, or the state of being humbled. As a theological term, it describes the humility God requires and rewards — and also the humbling that pride inevitably brings. It is the opposite of gabah (to be high/proud).
The great reversal in Scripture is captured in the contrast of shaphal (low/humble) and rum/gabah (high/proud). Proverbs 29:23 declares: 'Pride brings a person low, but the lowly [shaphal] in spirit gain honor.' Isaiah 57:15 reveals God's dwelling place: He inhabits eternity yet also dwells with 'the contrite and lowly [shaphal] in spirit.' Jesus quotes Isaiah in Luke 4:18 — coming to the poor, the humble, the brought-low. The cross itself is the ultimate act of shaphal: the Most High made Himself most low. Resurrection reverses the humbling — the shaphal is ultimately raised.