שָׁפַט

From the study of Genesis 31:53

Range of meaning

To judge in the broad ancient sense: settle a dispute between parties, give a verdict, vindicate the wronged party, punish the guilty, and govern. 'Judge between X and Y' is a fixed phrase for arbitration (Genesis 16:5; 1 Samuel 24:12, 15).

Against the English

'Judge' is accurate, but modern readers may hear only condemnation or a courtroom. Here it is a curse-wish: let the divine arbiter step in against whoever crosses the boundary to do harm (31:52).

Used elsewhere in the period

Sarai's 'May the LORD judge between me and you' (Genesis 16:5) and David's 'May the LORD judge between me and you… and avenge me' (1 Samuel 24:12) show the same formula. In each, God is the court of appeal when no human authority stands over both parties.

From the study of Isaiah 11:3

Range of meaning

To judge a case, decide between parties, govern, rule, vindicate. The 'judges' of the book of Judges were rescuers and rulers. To 'judge the orphan' (Isaiah 1:17) means to defend his cause.

Against the English

'Judge' in modern English often means criticise or condemn. In Hebrew the word is mainly about the act of ruling and setting things right, which is often good news for the wronged party.

How it drifted

English 'judge' has narrowed towards finding fault and condemning, especially in religious speech.

Used elsewhere in the period

Throughout the ancient Near East the just king judged for the weak. Hammurabi's law code says he ruled 'so that the strong might not oppress the weak, to give justice to the orphan and widow'. Absalom won hearts by promising to hear cases (2 Samuel 15:2–4).

From the study of Isaiah 43:26

Range of meaning

Active form: 'judge, decide, govern, put right'. The passive-reflexive form used here, in a two-party setting, means 'enter into judgment with', 'go to law with', 'argue one's case against'. Both parties stand before a tribunal and argue (HALOT s.v. שׁפט niph.).

Against the English

KJV/WEB 'let us plead together' was legal English in 1611, when 'plead' meant arguing in court. Today 'plead' mostly means 'beg'. BSB 'argue the matter together' and the similar ESV and NASB wording are clearer. YLT 'we are judged together' reads it as a statement, but the Hebrew ending (-āh) marks a 'let us' proposal.

How it drifted

'Plead' moved in everyday English from 'argue a legal case' to 'beg earnestly'.

Used elsewhere in the period

1 Sam 12:7: Samuel says 'stand, that I may enter into judgment with you (ʾiššāpṭāh) before the LORD'. That is the same form, in a covenant dispute. Jer 2:35: 'I will enter into judgment with you (nišpāṭ) because you say, I have not sinned', which is a close parallel in theme. See also Ezek 17:20; 20:35–36; Joel 3:2 (Heb 4:2); Isa 66:16.