שַׁאֲנָן (sha.a.nan)
sha.a.nan
secure
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The adjective sha’anan describes a state of being secure, quiet, or at ease. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears in ten verses, with a notable concentration in Isaiah and Zechariah. The word captures more than just physical safety; it points to a sense of stability where one feels protected from threat or disturbance.
However, this security often carries a negative nuance when it leads to carelessness or arrogance. The lexicon sources indicate that sha’anan can shift from describing peaceful rest to describing a proud indifference to God’s judgment. This is particularly evident in prophetic texts where the “secure” are warned against their complacency, as seen in Isaiah 32:9-11. Here, the ease of the women of Jerusalem is contrasted with the coming destruction, showing that their confidence was misplaced.
The root meaning suggests a solid foundation, but its usage reveals a theological warning: human security is fragile without divine reliance. Translators often render it as “secure” or “at ease,” though context determines whether the tone is neutral or critical. When paired with images of calm waters or fortified cities, it highlights the temptation to trust in circumstances rather than in God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha’anan describes a state of being secure or at ease. While it can refer to the genuine peace God provides, it often carries a warning in Scripture. It highlights the danger of trusting in circumstances rather than in God. When comfort leads to indifference toward divine judgment, that security becomes fragile.
Isaiah 32:18 offers a beautiful contrast. Here, the word describes the safe dwellings and quiet resting places promised to God’s people. This is not complacency, but the stable rest found in faithful obedience. It reminds us that true safety comes from reliance on the Lord, not from the stability of our own situation.
Let this word encourage you to examine where your trust lies. Seek the peace that endures beyond changing circumstances. May you find your rest in the one who is always faithful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undisturbed2×
- and/ arrogance/ your2×
- the/ [people] at ease1×
- carefree1×
- [one] at ease1×
- O carefree [women]1×
- <the>/ self-confident [people]1×
- <the>/ at ease1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַֽׁאֲנַנּ֔וֹת2×
- וְ/שַׁאֲנַנְ/ךָ֖2×
- שַׁאֲנָ֗ן1×
- שַׁאֲנָ֑ן1×
- שַׁאֲנַנּֽוֹת\׃1×
- הַ/שַּׁאֲנַנִּ֣ים1×
- הַ/שַּׁאֲנַנִּ֑ים1×
- הַ/שַּֽׁאֲנַנִּ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 32:18
My people will live in a peaceful habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places,
This verse uses sha’anan positively to describe the stable, quiet resting places promised to God’s people.
-
Amos 6:1
Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come!
Here the word warns against the false security of those who feel safe in Zion but ignore coming judgment.
-
Isaiah 32:9
Rise up, you women who are at ease! Hear my voice! You careless daughters, give ear to my speech!
The prophet addresses women described as at ease, calling them to wake up from their complacency.
-
Zechariah 1:15
I am very angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but a little displeased, but they added to the calamity.”
God expresses anger toward nations that are at ease while adding to the suffering of His people.