שָׁאַב (sha.av)
sha.av
to draw
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha’av means to draw, specifically in the sense of pulling up liquid from a well or cistern. In the Old Testament, it appears sixteen times, with significant usage in Genesis, Joshua, and 1 Samuel. The word captures the physical action of lifting water, often using a vessel, which was a daily necessity for survival in the ancient Near East.
Its most vivid application occurs in Genesis 24:11, where Abraham’s servant draws water from a well to offer to Rebekah. This act is not merely routine; it involves intentionality and hospitality. The sources note that the participle form can even refer to "water-drawing women," highlighting how this labor was a defining role for many in biblical society. The word emphasizes the effort required to access life-giving resources from deep below.
Translators typically render sha’av as "draw" or "draw up." While simple, the term carries weight because water was central to community life and divine provision. By focusing on the physical act of drawing, the text grounds spiritual narratives in tangible, everyday reality, reminding readers that faith often intersects with basic human needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Drawing water in ancient Israel was not a casual task; it required effort, patience, and trust in the source. When Genesis describes Rebekah drawing water for Abraham’s servant and his camels, she is performing an act of profound hospitality that goes beyond mere duty. She anticipates need before it is spoken, showing that faithful service often involves looking deeper into our daily routines to find opportunities for grace.
This physical action becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual life. In Isaiah 12:3, the prophet invites God’s people to draw water with joy from wells of salvation. Just as Rebekah reached down to bring up living water, we are called to actively seek God’s presence rather than waiting passively for it. The effort we invest in prayer and study is not wasted labor; it is how we access the sustenance our souls truly need.
Even when circumstances seem difficult, like the Gibeonites forced into service or David’s soldiers risking their lives for water, the act of drawing reminds us that life comes from above. We are invited to approach God with the same intentionality, trusting that He provides what is necessary for our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they drew3×
- and/ drawers of3×
- to/ draw water2×
- to/ draw2×
- and/ she drew water2×
- I will draw water2×
- they will draw/ !1×
- the/ [women who] draw water1×
- and/ you will draw1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ\־3×
- וְ/שֹֽׁאֲבֵי\־2×
- לִ/שְׁאֹ֥ב1×
- לִ/שְׁאֹ֣ב1×
- לִ/שְׁאֹ֔ב1×
- לִ/שְׁאֹ֑ב1×
- יִשְׁאֲב֖וּ/ן1×
- וּ/שְׁאַבְתֶּם\־1×
- וַ/תִּשְׁאָ֑ב1×
- וַ/תִּשְׁאַ֖ב1×
- וְ/שֹׁ֥אֲבֵי1×
- הַ/שֹּׁאֲבֹֽת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:19
When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will also draw for your camels, until they have finished drinking.”
Rebekah’s offer to draw water for the camels demonstrates proactive hospitality and willingness to serve beyond her initial obligation.
-
Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.
This verse shifts the physical act of drawing water into a spiritual metaphor for joyfully receiving salvation from God.
-
II Samuel 23:16
The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David; but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.
David’s refusal to drink the water drawn by his soldiers shows that some gifts are too sacred for personal consumption and must be offered back to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sha’av mean in the Bible?
Why is drawing water significant in Genesis 24?
How is sha’av used metaphorically in Isaiah?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 7 verses
He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out…
Genesis 24:13Behold, I am standing by the spring of water. The daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
Genesis 24:19When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will also draw for your camels, until they have finished…
Genesis 24:20She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Genesis 24:43behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes out to draw, to whom I will…
Genesis 24:44then she tells me, “Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,”—let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my…
Genesis 24:45Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to…