שָׁבַת

From the study of Isaiah 14:4

Range of meaning

To stop, cease, come to an end (Gen 8:22; Josh 5:12). Also to rest from work, which is the root of shabbat, 'Sabbath' (Gen 2:2–3; Exod 23:12). In the causative form it means 'to put an end to'.

Against the English

'Ceased' and 'ended' are accurate. English cannot keep the link with 'Sabbath' rest or with the 'rest' of v. 3, where a different verb (heniaḥ) is used but the idea is close.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isa 13:11 uses the causative: God will 'make the arrogance of the proud cease (hishbatti)'. Isa 24:8 has the same verb twice: 'the mirth of tambourines has ceased'. In Exod 5:5 Pharaoh complains that Moses would make the people 'rest (hishbattem) from their burdens', which is a striking reversal of this verse.

From the study of Psalm 8:2

Range of meaning

Basic form: to cease, stop, rest. Causative form (used here): to make cease, put an end to, remove, silence.

Against the English

KJV and YLT "still"; BSB and WEB "silence"; NASB "make … cease." "Silence" fits the contrast with mouths, but the Hebrew is wider: to stop the enemy entirely.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used for God making war cease (Ps 46:9), putting an end to arrogance (Isa 13:11), and removing enemies or idols (Ezek 30:13).

From the study of 2 Chronicles 36:21

Range of meaning

'To stop, cease, come to an end; to rest'. It is the verb behind 'sabbath'. It can mean God resting (Genesis 2:2–3), people stopping work, or something ending (Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 24:8).

Against the English

Most versions have 'kept sabbath' (KJV, WEB, YLT, ESV) or 'rested' (NIV-type). Both work. 'Rested' loses the obvious link to the noun 'sabbaths' just before it.

Used elsewhere in the period

Leviticus 26:34–35 (same verb, same subject: the land); Leviticus 25:2.