שָׁקַץ

שָׁקַץ

to be filthy, i.e. (intensively) to loathe, pollute

Definition

The verb שָׁקַץ (shâqats) expresses a strong sense of ritual and moral repulsion. It means to detest, abhor, or regard as utterly abominable, often in the context of things that are ceremonially unclean or morally repugnant to God. In Levitical law, it describes the mandatory attitude toward unclean animals, which Israelites must 'detest' and not eat (Leviticus 11:11, 13). The meaning intensifies to active rejection in Deuteronomy 7:26, where bringing a 'detested thing' into one's house makes one likewise detestable. In a personal, relational context, Psalm 22:24 uses the word for God not despising or abhorring the afflicted.

Biblical Usage

This word is used primarily in legal and covenantal contexts within the Pentateuch, establishing boundaries for holy living. All six occurrences are in Torah and Poetry books. It defines the proper Israelite response to items or practices designated by God as incompatible with holiness, moving from a feeling of disgust (Leviticus 11:43) to a required action of complete separation and destruction (Deuteronomy 7:26). Its usage in Psalm 22:24 applies the concept to divine compassion, highlighting God's refusal to 'abhor' the suffering psalmist.

Etymology

As a primitive root, שָׁקַץ is the base for the related noun תּוֹעֵבָה (tô‛êbâh, H8441), meaning 'abomination.' The root conveys a core idea of something that causes a visceral reaction of disgust or horror, leading to its ritual and moral application for things that violate divine order.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical concept of holiness (separateness). It defines the boundary between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the profane. Understanding שָׁקַץ enriches reading by revealing that holiness is not just about external ritual but requires an internal attitude of rejection toward what God rejects. It underscores that covenant fidelity involves both heart (detesting) and action (destroying/avoiding) regarding sin and idolatry. In ancient Israelite culture, 'detesting' certain animals was not merely a dietary preference but a religious identity marker. It physically embodied their separation from neighboring nations. The command to actively 'detest' and destroy idols (Deuteronomy 7:26) protected the community from spiritual corruption, as objects were believed to carry the essence of what they represented. תּוֹעֵבָה (tô‛êbâh, H8441) — A noun meaning 'abomination,' often the object or state resulting from what is שָׁקַץ. | גָּעַל (gâ‛al, H1602) — To loathe, reject; often used in parallel with שָׁקַץ but can imply a stronger sense of casting away or vomiting out.

Word Details