she.vu.ah is a sworn commitment that may bind a promise, an agreement, required conduct, or a curse-bearing declaration.

The term denotes a sworn commitment: it is kept in promises to the fathers, can bind parties to an agreement or prescribed action, and can occur in declarations involving a curse or falsehood.

1. Sworn commitment with binding force · dominant

   The noun marks a commitment that can be kept, released, or violated. In Deuteronomy 7:8 the APB renders the clause about the LORD keeping what he swore to the fathers; in Genesis 24:8 it renders release from Abraham's commitment if the woman will not go; and in Joshua 9:20 preserving people alive prevents wrath because of the commitment made to them. It also appears in a curse-setting declaration in Numbers 5:21 and in the prohibition of a false commitment in Zechariah 8:17.

   Deuteronomy 7:8Genesis 24:81 Kings 2:43Joshua 9:20Numbers 5:21Zechariah 8:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB often presents the term with “oath,” as in Deuteronomy 7:8 and 1 Kings 2:43, while Numbers 5:21 uses “oath-taking” in a curse context. These English expressions indicate the clauses' presentation rather than a fixed rendering of each form.