שָׁקַע

שָׁקַע

to subside; by implication, to be overflowed, cease; causatively, to abate, subdue

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׁקַע (shâqaʻ) primarily means 'to sink down' or 'to subside,' often describing the lowering or settling of something. In its basic sense, it can refer to physical sinking, as when a stone sinks in water (Jeremiah 51:64) or when the land itself subsides or quakes (Amos 8:8). Causatively, it means 'to cause to sink' or 'to drown,' as seen in the context of subduing the sea monster Leviathan (Job 41:1). It also carries the figurative sense of something ceasing or being quenched, like a fire being subdued (Numbers 11:2).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears six times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and prophetic books. It is used in diverse contexts: for the physical sinking of an object (Jeremiah 51:64), the metaphorical 'sinking' or settling of the land (Amos 8:8, 9:5), the subduing of a fire (Numbers 11:2), and the overpowering or 'drowning' of a mighty creature (Job 41:1, Ezekiel 32:14). Its usage often conveys a sense of forceful lowering, cessation, or overwhelming.

Etymology

A primitive root, שָׁקַע is related to the concept of being deep or low. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings like 'to sink' or 'to be low.' The root conveys a downward motion or a settling into a lower state, from which its various biblical meanings of subsiding, drowning, and quenching naturally develop.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used in contexts of divine judgment and sovereignty. In Amos 8:8, the land 'sinking' is part of a prophetic oracle of God's judgment. In Numbers 11:2, the 'quenching' of the fire at Taberah demonstrates God's responsive mercy even amidst judgment. Its use for 'drowning' Leviathan (Job 41:1) highlights God's ultimate power over chaotic forces. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting images of physical sinking with themes of divine intervention, the cessation of wrath, and God's subduing authority over creation and chaos. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sinking or subsiding could be associated with seismic activity or the destabilizing of the earth, which was often viewed as a direct act of the gods. The concept of 'drowning' a sea monster like Leviathan taps into common mythological motifs of a deity conquering chaos, which the biblical authors adapt to affirm Yahweh's unique supremacy. טָבַע (ṭāḇaʻ, H2883) — focuses on sinking or drowning, often in water, without the causative sense of subduing. שָׁפַךְ (shāp̄akh, H8210) — means to pour out or shed, often for liquids like blood, differing from the downward motion of sinking. כָּבָה (kāḇâ, H3518) — specifically means to be quenched or go out (as a fire), a more narrow sense than שָׁקַע's broader 'subdue.'

Word Details