Understanding The Meaning Of ‘Shew’ In The Bible
The archaic word ‘shew’ pops up frequently when reading Scripture, leaving many readers to wonder: What exactly does shew mean in the Bible? This antiquated verb has a simple definition but various contextual usages that unlock deeper scriptural truths.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: in the King James Version (KJV), shew means ‘to show, make known, or reveal something.’ But there’s more to this word than meets the eye.
The Definition and Origin of ‘Shew’
The Literal Definition
The word ‘shew’ is an archaic variant spelling of ‘show’ that was commonly used in Early Modern English from the 14th to 17th centuries. It comes from the Old English word ‘scēawian’ meaning ‘to look at’ or ‘to see’.
In its literal sense, ‘shew’ means:to present, display, or demonstrate something visually. It indicates revealing, making known, or making something clear to others.
Some examples of ‘shew’ used in sentences:
- ‘And the LORD said […] I will shew thee my faith by my works’ (James 2:18 KJV)
- ‘Moses said […] Shew me now thy way’ (Exodus 33:13 KJV)
- ‘He saith to him, Shew us the Father’ (John 14:8 KJV)
So in the Bible, ‘shew’ is often used to mean showing something in a tangible or visible way.
The Etymology and Use in Scripture
‘Shew’ originated from the Old English ‘scēawian’. By the year 1000, it became ‘shewen’ and later ‘shewen’ or ‘sheawen’. Around 1300, the spelling changed to ‘shewen’ and it eventually became ‘shew’ by the 1400s.
The word was very commonly used in Middle English and Early Modern English Bible translations like the King James Version published in 1611. In the KJV, ‘shew’ appears over 200 times.
A few examples of ‘shew’ used in the KJV Bible include:
- ‘Shew me now thy ways, that I may know thee’ (Exodus 33:13)
- ‘Shew kindness, I pray you, to my master Abraham’ (Genesis 24:12)
- ‘And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying…’ (Exodus 13:8)
The word ‘shew’ started to decline in the 17th century. Most modern English Bible translations like the ESV and NIV now use ‘show’ instead of the archaic ‘shew’. But it remains an interesting example of Early Modern English vocabulary used extensively in historic Bible versions.
Shew Frequently Refers to God Revealing Truth
God Reveals Truth to His Prophets and Saints
The word “shew” is used over 200 times in the King James Bible, often to describe God manifesting truth to His prophets and saints. For example, God tells Moses, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren…and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18).
Through visions, dreams, and divine inspiration, God would “shew” His servants things to come and mysteries of His kingdom (Daniel 2:28).
Jesus’ Works Manifested God’s Glory
During His earthly ministry, Jesus often healed the sick and worked miracles to demonstrate God’s power and glory. After healing a paralyzed man, Jesus told skeptics, “that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10).
When disciples of John the Baptist asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus replied, “Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk” (Matthew 11:4-5).
According to one study, the miracles of Jesus are mentioned over 30 times across the four Gospels.
Revelation Illuminates Mysteries and God’s Plan
The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation while in exile, recording visions and prophecies about the end times. Revelation pulls back the veil on many spiritual mysteries, allowing us to “see things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1).
Through symbols and imagery, Revelation foretells plagues, disasters, wars, and ultimately Christ’s triumphant return to reward the righteous and punish the wicked (Revelation 22:12). As the final book of the Bible, Revelation “shews” how God’s elaborate plan for humanity and redemption of creation will culminate.
Human Action Can Also ‘Shew’ Forth Things
Displaying Faith and Love
The Bible teaches that human actions can “shew forth” or demonstrate things like faith and love. For example, James 2:18 says that someone can “shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
“ Here, displaying faith is connected to actions and behavior that align with that faith.
In a similar way, 1 John 3:18 states that we should “not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” Rather than merely talking about love, we are to demonstrate it through concrete loving actions. As one source summarizes, “The way we live should be evidence of our faith and love.
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[1]Some statistics on this topic:
| 83% | of Americans say that how a person lives is more important than what they believe when it comes to faith. |
| 63% | say a person’s actions are more important than attending church in showing dedication to faith. |
So in many cases, outward actions and “fruit” display even more about a person’s genuine faith and love than words alone.
Hypocrites ‘Shew’ False Nature
Unfortunately, the Bible also warns about hypocrites who “shew” or display outward righteousness but are unrighteous inside. As Jesus said, “Ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
“ Their outward religious displays were misleading compared to their inner corruption.
In a more positive light, even imperfect but sincerely trying believers can demonstrate godly traits through their actions. As one writer notes, “Day by day we can choose to live our life to show the nature of God in us.
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[2] This meaning of “shew forth” connects to revealing or making something evident through our deeds.To “shew forth” righteousness from our inner being outwardly is essentially to live genuinely – having our actions align with our truest beliefs and identity by God’s grace.
Key Examples of ‘Shew’ in Context
Moses and the Burning Bush
One of the most famous examples of God revealing or “shewing” something is when He appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4). God told Moses that He had “seen the affliction” of His people in Egypt and was sending Moses to deliver them.
This powerful theophany or vision of God was a pivotal moment where God appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage.
Psalms Revealing God’s Paths
The Book of Psalms contains multiple references to God “shewing” or revealing His ways and paths. For example, Psalm 25:4 states, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.” The psalmist frequently asks the Lord to reveal or make known His truth, often in contrast to the ways of the wicked.
There are over 15 examples of “shew” in the KJV psalms, depicting God illuminating His will.
Jesus Shewing His Identity as Messiah
In the New Testament Gospels, Jesus demonstrated or “shewed” His true identity as the Messiah through His teaching, miracles and fulfillment of prophecy. After feeding the 5000, Jesus departed alone to pray, then returned to the disciples walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).
The dramatic sign confirmed He was the Son of God. Ultimately, His resurrection from the dead was the greatest demonstration that He was the promised Savior.
Through acts of divine revelation in Scripture, God makes known His truth, plan, and character. The specific instances of “shew” reveal defining moments and aspects of God’s relationship with humanity.
Conclusion
In short, the antiquated verb ‘shew’ means to clearly reveal something that was previously unknown or hidden. When reading Scripture, this word signifies instances where God unveils His truth, nature, and plan to humanity through visions, words, demonstrations of power, and other means of divine disclosure.
Through Jesus’ ministry, death on the cross, and resurrection, the greatest revelation of God’s love and salvation was displayed to the world. Likewise, God’s saints are exhorted to shew forth His light through their Christlike conduct.
