שׁוּב
To turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat ; often adverbial, again
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does שׁוּב (šûḇ) mean in the Bible?
שׁוּב (šûḇ) is a Hebrew word meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat ; often adverbial, again". The hinge of the passage is responsiveness. Wisdom’s reproof is meant to produce turning, not mere remorse. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant, Faith, Redemption.
Meaning
Core concept of reversal or turning away; theologically dominant as repentance (turning from sin toward God)
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again BDB: turn back Usage: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) × again, (cause to) answer ( again), × in any case (wise), × at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, × certainly, come again (back), × consider, continually, convert, deliver (again), deny, draw back, fetch home again, × fro, get (oneself) (back) again, × give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, × needs, be past, × pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, × surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
Why This Word Matters
The hinge of the passage is responsiveness. Wisdom’s reproof is meant to produce turning, not mere remorse. Hosea 11:1-7
Return signifies covenant restoration grounded in renewed faith. Hosea 12:7-14
The invitation to return frames the oracle as a call to repentance. Hosea 14:1-3
Salvation is linked to turning back to the Lord. Hosea 6:1-3
Restoration is tied to renewed covenant loyalty. Isaiah 10:20-23
The absence of returning to the Lord explains the persistence of judgment. Isaiah 21:11-12
Key covenant repentance term. Isaiah 30:8-17
Conveys repayment of covenant violation. Isaiah 31:1-9
Central covenant call to repentance.
Central covenant term for repentance.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 308×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 140×
Polel 5×
Hophal causative passive — the subject is caused to perform the action 2×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 1073 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.