שׁוֹפֵט
Shofet
Judge, one who governs and delivers
Shofet (שׁוֹפֵט) is a Hebrew word meaning “judge, one who governs and delivers,” pronounced “sho-FET.” Derived from the root שׁ-פ-ט, shofet appears 200 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H8199).
| Hebrew | שׁוֹפֵט |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shofet |
| Pronunciation | sho-FET |
| Meaning | Judge, one who governs and delivers |
| Root Letters | שׁ-פ-ט |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 200× |
| Key Verse | Judges 2:16 |
| Strong's Number | H8199 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
If you picture a judge as someone in a black robe behind a bench, the Hebrew word shofet (שׁוֹפֵט) will shatter that image. In the Hebrew Bible, a shofet is not merely someone who renders legal verdicts — a shofet is a divinely appointed leader who governs, fights, delivers, and restores justice to an oppressed people. The Book of Judges tells the story of Deborah, Gideon, and Samson — military leaders raised up by God to rescue Israel from enemies. A shofet was part warrior, part prophet, part governor. When the psalmist cries 'Rise up, O Shofet of the earth!' (Psalm 94:2), he is not asking for a court hearing — he is crying out for God to intervene with power, overthrow oppression, and make things right. Understanding shofet reveals that biblical justice is not passive deliberation but active, saving intervention on behalf of the vulnerable.
Key Bible Verse: Judges 2:16
“Then the LORD raised up judges (shoftim) who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.”
What Is the Root of Shofet in Hebrew?
Shofet comes from the root שׁ-פ-ט (shin-pe-tet), meaning 'to judge, govern, vindicate.' The root carries a broader sense than legal judgment — it encompasses setting things right, from delivering the oppressed to punishing the wicked.
What Does Shofet Mean in the Bible?
Shofet and its root appear over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Judges describes charismatic deliverers before the monarchy. God is called the 'Shofet of all the earth' (Genesis 18:25).
How Is Shofet Used in Modern Hebrew?
Israel's Supreme Court building features motifs inspired by the biblical judges. The term 'shofet' is still used for judges in the modern Israeli legal system, connecting today's justice to its ancient roots.
How to Use Shofet in Prayer & Worship
Call on God as the Shofet of all the earth when you face injustice. Biblical judgment is God's passionate intervention on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. Trust Him to vindicate and deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shofet
How do you say “Judge” in Hebrew?
“Judge” in Hebrew is Shofet (שׁוֹפֵט), pronounced “sho-FET.” Shofet comes from the root שׁ-פ-ט (shin-pe-tet), meaning 'to judge, govern, vindicate.' The root carries a broader sense than legal judgment — it encompasses setting things right, from delivering the oppressed to punishing the wicked.
What does Shofet mean in the Bible?
Shofet (שׁוֹפֵט) means “Judge, one who governs and delivers” in Biblical Hebrew. Shofet and its root appear over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Judges describes charismatic deliverers before the monarchy. God is called the 'Shofet of all the earth' (Genesis 18:25).
How do you pronounce Shofet?
Shofet is pronounced “sho-FET.” The word comes from the Hebrew root שׁ-פ-ט.
Were biblical judges the same as modern judges?
Not at all. Biblical shoftim were charismatic military and spiritual leaders raised up by God during crisis. Deborah led armies. Gideon defeated Midianites with 300 men. They combined military command, prophecy, and governance — far more than courtroom officials.
Why did Israel need judges before kings?
After Joshua's death, Israel had no central government. The Judges period (roughly 1380-1050 BC) featured a repeating cycle: Israel sinned, God allowed oppression, Israel cried out, God raised a shofet. It ended when Israel demanded a king 'like all the nations' (1 Samuel 8:5).
How is God described as Judge in the Bible?
Abraham's question, 'Shall not the Shofet of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:25) establishes God as the supreme Judge whose character defines justice. Psalm 96:13 declares He comes to judge the earth with righteousness. God's judgment means the final vindication of the oppressed.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H8199: Shofet
- Bible Gateway — Judges 2:16 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for שׁ-פ-ט
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