שָׁאַג (sha.ag)
sha.ag
to roar
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.ag describes a deep, powerful roar, most commonly associated with a lion in its prime. In the Old Testament, it captures the terrifying sound of a predator ready to strike or the triumphant cry of a conqueror who has secured victory. This is not a gentle call but a visceral display of strength and authority that demands attention from all who hear it.
While often used for wild beasts, the word carries significant theological weight when applied to God. Prophets like Amos and Jeremiah use sha.ag to depict Jehovah roaring from Zion against His people’s sins. In these contexts, the divine roar is not merely an expression of anger but a solemn warning of impending judgment, echoing the unstoppable force of nature itself.
The sources also note its rare use for a human cry of distress, creating a striking contrast between the might of the lion and the vulnerability of the sufferer. This range highlights the word’s intensity: it is always a sound of profound impact, whether signaling doom or expressing deep anguish. Translators typically render it as "roar" to preserve this sense of overwhelming power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.ag captures a sound that cannot be ignored. It describes the deep, powerful roar of a lion, whether it is hunting for food or standing guard over its territory. In Scripture, this imagery helps us understand the weight of God’s voice. When prophets speak of Yahweh roaring from Zion, they are not describing a gentle whisper but a forceful declaration that demands attention. This roar serves as a solemn warning, reminding us that God is actively involved in history and cares deeply about justice.
For believers today, this word offers comfort rather than fear. The same power that commands respect also provides protection. When we face uncertainty or opposition, remembering that God’s voice carries ultimate authority can bring peace. We do not need to strive for control because the One who roars with strength is also the Shepherd who guides His people. Trusting in this divine presence allows us to rest securely, knowing our lives are held by a power far greater than any threat.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will roar5×
- ¿/ does it roar1×
- they roared1×
- they roar1×
- they have been roaring1×
- roaring1×
- it will roar1×
- it roars1×
- it has roared1×
- certainly <to roar>1×
- [was] roaring1×
- [are] roaring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹׁאֵ֖ג1×
- שֹׁאֲגִ֣ים1×
- שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים1×
- שָׁאֹ֤ג1×
- שָׁאָ֖ג1×
- שָׁאֲג֣וּ1×
- יִשְׁאָג֙1×
- יִשְׁאָ֔ג1×
- יִשְׁאָ֑גוּ1×
- יִשְׁאָ֑ג1×
- יִשְׁאַג֙1×
- יִשְׁאַג\־1×
Key Verses
-
Amos 3:8
The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Lord Yahweh has spoken. Who can but prophesy?
This verse directly links the lion's roar to God's speech, establishing that divine revelation inevitably compels a prophetic response.
-
Jeremiah 25:30
“Therefore prophesy against them all these words, and tell them, “‘Yahweh will roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation. He will mightily roar against his fold. He will give a shout, as those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.
Here the roar is depicted as coming from God’s holy habitation, emphasizing His sovereign authority over all nations.
-
Amos 1:2
He said: “Yahweh will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the pastures of the shepherds will mourn, and the top of Carmel will wither.”
The text places the source of the roar at Zion and Jerusalem, grounding God's judgment in the very heart of His covenant people.
-
Hosea 11:10
They will walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.
This occurrence uniquely pairs the roaring lion with the return of trembling children, showing the roar as an instrument of restoration rather than just destruction.