שׁוּט
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e. (the sea with oars) to row; by implication
Definition
The Hebrew verb שׁוּט (shûwṭ) fundamentally means 'to go about, to travel to and fro, or to roam.' In its literal sense, it describes the act of rowing a boat, as sailors push oars through the water (Ezekiel 27:8, 26). More frequently, it is used in a figurative sense to depict extensive travel, movement, or searching. For instance, it describes God's eyes 'running to and fro' throughout the earth (2 Chronicles 16:9) and Satan 'going to and fro' on the earth (Job 1:7, 2:2). It can also refer to the people of Israel 'wandering about' to gather manna (Numbers 11:8).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used 13 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. Its usage splits between literal maritime contexts (Ezekiel 27:8, 26) and figurative descriptions of purposeful movement or search. A key pattern is its application to divine or supernatural observation and activity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 16:9 and Job 1:7. It also appears in contexts of human travel for census (2 Samuel 24:2, 8) and prophetic search for a righteous person (Jeremiah 5:1).
Etymology
שׁוּט is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to pushing or driving forward, which naturally extends to the motion of rowing (pushing oars) and then to traveling or roaming more generally. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings of wandering or roving.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's active, omniscient presence. The phrase that God's eyes 'run to and fro throughout the whole earth' (2 Chronicles 16:9) uses שׁוּט to illustrate His constant vigilance, readiness to support the faithful, and comprehensive knowledge. Similarly, its use for Satan's movements in Job highlights the cosmic scope of the narrative. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of these passages by emphasizing the purposeful, sweeping, and dynamic nature of divine observation and spiritual conflict.
In its literal sense of rowing, שׁוּט reflects the importance of maritime travel and trade in the ancient Near East, particularly for nations like Tyre (Ezekiel 27). The concept of 'roaming' or 'going to and fro' would have been understood in the context of nomadic life, long-distance travel by foot or animal, and the work of scouts or messengers.
הָלַךְ (hālak, H1980) — A more general term for walking or going, without the specific connotation of roaming or searching. שָׁטַח (shāṭaḥ, H7849) — To spread out or stretch; shares a similar root but focuses on expansion rather than motion. תּוּר (tûr, H8446) — To spy out, explore, or search; more specifically denotes investigative travel.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →