סָכַן

properly, to cut, i.e. damage; also to grow (causatively, make) poor

Definition

The Hebrew verb סָכַן (sakhan) carries two primary meanings in the Old Testament. Its core sense is 'to be of use or service,' implying a beneficial or advantageous relationship, as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:9 where quarrying stones 'profits' or benefits someone. A secondary, derived meaning is 'to incur danger' or 'to be endangered,' which arises from the idea of putting something valuable (like oneself) into a risky situation for potential gain. In Isaiah 40:20, the word describes selecting wood that 'will not rot'—wood that is serviceable and useful for the purpose of crafting an idol. Thus, the word bridges concepts of utility, benefit, and the risk associated with them.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, in two distinct contexts that illustrate its dual meanings. In Ecclesiastes 10:9, it is used in the context of labor and risk: 'Whoever quarries stones may be hurt by them, and whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.' Here, the sense is clearly 'to be endangered' or 'to incur danger.' In Isaiah 40:20, the context is idolatry: 'He chooses a piece of wood that will not rot; he seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.' Here, the meaning is 'to be of use' or 'to be serviceable,' referring to selecting wood useful for the task.

Etymology

The verb סָכַן (sakhan) is likely derived from the noun שַׂךְ (sakh), meaning 'thorn' or 'hook,' which itself comes from a root meaning 'to cut' or 'pierce.' This connection to a sharp object suggests an original sense of coming into close, potentially dangerous contact. From this, the meaning developed into 'to be familiar with' or 'to associate with,' and subsequently into the ideas of being of service (a beneficial association) or being endangered (a harmful association). It is related to the common word for 'neighbor' (שָׁכֵן, shakhen), one who lives in close proximity.

Semantic Range

סָכַן (sakhan) is theologically significant as it forms the root for the important biblical concept of the 'Shekinah' glory—the dwelling or abiding presence of God. While 'Shekinah' itself is a rabbinic term, it derives from the related verb שָׁכַן (shakhan, H7931), meaning 'to dwell' or 'settle.' Sakhan's core idea of close association and service underpins this: God's desire is to 'dwell' intimately with His people. Understanding sakhan enriches readings of passages about God's presence, human service to God, and the inherent risks (spiritual danger) in idolatry, as illustrated in Isaiah 40:20 where serviceable wood is misused for an idol.

In its ancient context, the concept of 'being of use' (sakhan) was deeply tied to social relationships and survival. A useful person or object had value within the community and household. The associated risk (the 'endangerment' meaning) reflects the precarious nature of ancient life, where daily labor like quarrying stone or felling trees (Ecclesiastes 10:9) carried real physical danger. Choosing 'serviceable' wood for an idol (Isaiah 40:20) reflects a cultural mindset seeking permanence and reliability in religious objects, which the prophet starkly contrasts with the eternal nature of the true God.

שָׁכַן (shakhan, H7931) — means 'to dwell' or 'settle,' focusing on abiding presence; סָכַן emphasizes beneficial service or risky association. עָבַד (avad, H5647) — means 'to work' or 'serve,' a more general term for labor, whereas סָכַן implies service that is advantageous or useful. בָּחַר (bakhar, H977) — means 'to choose,' often for a purpose; סָכַן in Isaiah 40:20 implies choosing based on utility and serviceability.

Word Details

Scripture References