שָׁפַךְ

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׁפַךְ (shâphak) fundamentally means 'to pour out' or 'to spill,' describing the act of causing a liquid or granular substance to flow from a container. In the Old Testament, it is used literally for pouring out blood (Genesis 9:6), libations like wine (Exodus 29:12), or even molten metal (Judges 16:19). Figuratively, it extends to expending or expelling non-physical things, such as pouring out one's soul or complaint before God (1 Samuel 1:15, Psalm 42:4) or pouring out wrath (Ezekiel 14:19). In some contexts, it can mean to 'cast up' or mound earth (Nahum 2:1).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears about 110 times across many Old Testament books, with significant clusters in Leviticus and Ezekiel. Its most common usage is in ritual and legal contexts concerning the pouring or shedding of blood, especially in sacrificial procedures (Leviticus 4:7, 4:18) and laws against murder (Genesis 9:6). It is also frequent in prophetic oracles describing God's poured-out judgment (e.g., Ezekiel 14:19, Isaiah 42:25) and in poetic passages depicting the pouring out of prayer, tears, or the soul (Psalm 79:6, Lamentations 2:4).

Etymology

שָׁפַךְ is a primitive root. Its basic sense relates to the free flow or discharge of contents. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'šapāku' (to pour out, heap up) and Ugaritic 'špk' (to pour), confirming its ancient association with the act of pouring or spilling.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, especially in the concepts of atonement and divine justice. The 'pouring out' of blood in sacrifice (Leviticus 4:7) is central to the Old Testament system of atonement, symbolizing life given for life. Conversely, the 'shedding' of innocent human blood (Genesis 9:6) is a grave sin demanding accountability. Prophets use it for God's poured-out wrath, emphasizing the seriousness of covenant violation. Understanding this term enriches reading of passages about Christ's shed blood (drawing on this Hebrew concept) and God's ultimate judgment.

In ancient Israelite culture, pouring out a liquid was a powerful symbolic act. Pouring out blood at the base of the altar (Leviticus 4:7) was a key ritual in the sacrificial system, treating blood as sacred and belonging to God. Pouring out a drink offering (libation) was an act of worship. Pouring out one's soul in prayer (1 Samuel 1:15) visualized total, vulnerable self-disclosure before God.

נָתַךְ (nāṯak, H5413) — Often used for pouring molten metal; more specific to melting and flowing. יָצַק (yāṣaq, H3332) — To pour out, cast metal; often implies a deliberate molding or shaping. זָבַח (zāḇaḥ, H2076) — To slaughter or sacrifice; a broader term for ritual killing where שָׁפַךְ might describe the subsequent handling of the blood.

Word Details

Scripture References