שָׁאַב

שָׁאַב

to bale up water

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׁאַב (shâʼab) primarily means 'to draw water,' specifically from a well or spring using a container. It describes the physical action of bailing or lifting water, as seen in the story of Rebekah at the well (Genesis 24:11-20). While its core meaning is literal, the word can also carry a figurative sense of 'to receive' or 'to obtain,' as in drawing sustenance or even judgment from a source, though this extended usage is less frequent in the biblical text. The term consistently implies an active, intentional effort to procure water from a specific source.

Biblical Usage

שָׁאַב is used exclusively in narrative contexts describing the drawing of water, particularly by women at a community well. It appears most frequently in Genesis 24, detailing Rebekah's encounter with Abraham's servant. Other uses are found in Deuteronomy 29:11, which includes 'water drawers' in a list of covenant participants, and in Jeremiah 2:13, where God laments that His people have forsaken Him, the 'fountain of living waters,' to dig broken cisterns—a powerful contrast that implicitly relies on the concept of drawing. The action is typically a daily, communal task central to household and camp life.

Etymology

A primitive root, its basic meaning is 'to draw up' or 'bale up' a liquid. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'šabû' (to draw water) and Arabic 'saʿiba' (to pour out), pointing to a shared ancient vocabulary for water handling. The Hebrew root focuses on the action of extraction from a source like a well, distinct from simply carrying water.

Semantic Range

While primarily a mundane action, שָׁאַב gains theological weight in prophetic metaphor. In Jeremiah 2:13, God identifies Himself as the reliable, life-giving source ('fountain of living waters'), contrasting with the futile, self-made 'cisterns' of idolatry. This imagery elevates the simple act of drawing water into a picture of dependence: true sustenance and salvation are 'drawn' from God alone. Understanding this verb enriches the reading of well scenes (like John 4 with Jesus and the Samaritan woman) by highlighting the deeper spiritual thirst and source they represent. Drawing water was a daily, essential, and often social task typically performed by women or servants. Wells were vital community hubs. The repeated use of שָׁאַב in Genesis 24 to detail Rebekah's hospitality and diligence underscores her character and suitability as Isaac's wife, making a routine chore a test of kindness and providence. The 'water drawer' in Deuteronomy 29:11 signifies the inclusion of even the lowest servants in the covenant community. דָּלָה (dâlâh, H1802) — also means to draw water, but can imply drawing up in a bucket or from a deep place; often used interchangeably. שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — means to drink; the purpose for which water is drawn.

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