שָׁאוֹן (sha.on)
sha.on
roar
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sha’on describes a loud, chaotic noise, typically translated as "roar," "din," or "uproar." It captures the overwhelming sound of rushing waters or the clamor of a restless crowd. In the Psalms, it often depicts the turbulent sea, emphasizing nature’s raw power and unpredictability (Psalm 46:3). This usage highlights the word’s primary association with natural forces that are both impressive and intimidating.
Beyond nature, sha’on applies to human activity, specifically the raucous noise of revelers or the commotion of war. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it frequently describes the uproar of nations or the chaos of battle (Isaiah 17:12). This shift from natural to social contexts shows how the word conveys not just volume, but a sense of disorder and intensity that demands attention.
Translators often choose between "roar" for water and "uproar" for people, reflecting the word’s flexibility. The underlying image is one of overwhelming sound that drowns out other voices. This makes sha’on a powerful tool for describing situations where order is challenged by forceful, noisy disruption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a storm, the word sha’on reminds us that God hears the noise. It describes the roar of rushing waters or the clamor of angry crowds. This isn’t just background sound; it is a signal of chaos and pressure. In Psalm 46:3, the earth may give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, yet the psalmist finds calm. The noise is real, but it does not have the final word.
We often face our own versions of this uproar. It might be the anxiety of uncertain times or the pressure of conflicting opinions. The Bible acknowledges that these sounds can be overwhelming. Yet, the same God who calms the sea also hears your prayer within the din. You are not lost in the noise; you are known by name.
This word invites us to look past the surface chaos. It shows that while circumstances may roar loudly, they do not control the outcome. We can rest in the truth that God is greater than any force that threatens our peace. His voice cuts through the static of fear with clarity and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] uproar of4×
- an uproar3×
- like/ [the] uproar of2×
- uproar1×
- in/ uproar1×
- and/ uproar/ its1×
- and/ [the] uproar of1×
- an uproar of1×
- [is] a noise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁאוֹן֙2×
- שְׁא֥וֹן2×
- שָׁאוֹן֮1×
- שָׁאֽוֹן\׃1×
- שָׁא֔וֹן1×
- שְׁא֣וֹן1×
- שְׁא֞וֹן1×
- שְׁא֖וֹן1×
- כִּ/שְׁא֞וֹן1×
- כִּ/שְׁא֛וֹן1×
- וּ/שְׁאוֹנָ֖/הּ1×
- וּ/שְׁא֣וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 74:23
Don’t forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult of those who rise up against you ascends continually.
This verse uses the concept of tumult to describe persistent opposition, reminding us that God sees the ongoing struggle against His people.
-
Isaiah 17:12
Ah, the uproar of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!
Here the roar of nations is compared to the sea, illustrating how human power can seem overwhelming until God intervenes.
-
Jeremiah 51:55
For Yahweh lays Babylon waste, and destroys out of her the great voice! Their waves roar like many waters. The noise of their voice is uttered.
The destruction of Babylon is marked by the silencing of its great voice, showing that no amount of noise can stand against divine justice.