שָׁעַע

שָׁעַע

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e. fondle

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׁעַע (shâʻaʻ) expresses a range of meanings centered on intense visual or emotional engagement. In its positive sense, it means to look upon something with deep pleasure, delight, or fondness, as when the psalmist declares he will 'delight' in God's statutes (Psalm 119:16, 47). In a negative sense, it describes a state of being dazed, blinded, or spiritually stupefied, such as when God makes the eyes of the people 'blind' (Isaiah 29:9) or their hearts 'dull' (Isaiah 6:10). The word can also convey the physical action of fondling or playing, as with a child at the cobra's den (Isaiah 11:8).

Biblical Usage

This word is used eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and prophetic literature. It appears four times in the Psalms (94:19; 119:16, 47, 70), always in the positive sense of taking delight or comfort in God's law and character. In Isaiah, it is used four times (6:10; 11:8; 29:9; 66:12), where it carries both the negative sense of spiritual blindness (6:10, 29:9) and the positive, physical sense of a child playing safely (11:8) or being dandled on a knee (66:12).

Etymology

שָׁעַע is a primitive root. It is related to the idea of gazing or looking intently. Some scholars connect it to a root meaning 'to smear' or 'to be smooth,' possibly引申出 the sense of 'caress' (fondle) or, metaphorically, for perception to be 'smeared' (blinded). It is distinct from, but occasionally confused in manuscripts with, the similar-sounding שָׁוַע (shâvaʻ, H7768), meaning 'to cry out for help.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the dual human response to divine revelation. Positively, it models the proper posture toward God's word: not mere intellectual assent but heartfelt delight and meditation (Psalm 119). Negatively, it describes the judicial hardening or self-induced dullness that prevents people from perceiving and responding to God's truth (Isaiah 6:9-10). Understanding this range highlights the Bible's teaching that how we engage with God's word—with delight or disregard—has profound spiritual consequences. The imagery of 'dandling' or playing (Isaiah 11:8, 66:12) reflects ancient Near Eastern familial intimacy and care. The concept of spiritual 'blindness' or a 'dulled heart' (Isaiah 6:10) would resonate in an agrarian culture where unresponsive, hardened soil was a familiar metaphor for un receptiveness. The positive sense of 'delight' implies a sustained, affectionate contemplation, different from a fleeting moment of happiness. חָפֵץ (châphêts, H2654) — emphasizes desire or pleasure in choosing; שָׂמַח (śâmach, H8055) — a more general term for rejoicing or being glad; עָלַץ (ʻâlats, H5970) — to exult or jump for joy.

Word Details