שֵׁד (shed)
shed
demon
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shed refers to a demon or a protective spirit. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 106:37. In both contexts, it describes entities that are not the God of Israel but are instead associated with idolatrous practices.
Lexical sources suggest this term is a loanword from Akkadian, where it originally denoted a protective spirit, particularly one linked to bull-colossi. This etymological background highlights how ancient Near Eastern cultures often viewed such beings as guardians or intermediaries, even when those roles conflicted with Israel’s exclusive covenant with Yahweh.
The biblical usage starkly redefines these spirits. Rather than offering true protection, they are presented as deceptive forces that lead people away from God. The texts emphasize that sacrifices offered to shed are actually given to demons, underscoring the spiritual danger of idolatry and the exclusivity of worship directed toward the Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shed appears only twice in Scripture, linking ancient idolatry with spiritual deception. In Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 106:37, it describes entities that received sacrifices meant for God alone. This reminds us that false worship is never neutral; it directs our trust toward powers that cannot save.
When we face uncertainty, the temptation to seek security outside of God’s provision is real. These verses warn that such substitutes offer only illusion. True peace comes from relying on the Lord, who alone hears and answers. Let this truth anchor your heart in His faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the/ demons1×
- to <the>/ demons1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/שֵּׁדִים֙1×
- לַ/שֵּֽׁדִים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:17
They sacrificed to demons, not God, to gods that they didn’t know, to new gods that came up recently, which your fathers didn’t dread.
This verse explicitly identifies shed as recipients of sacrifice, contrasting them with the true God to highlight the exclusivity of Israel's covenant.
-
Psalms 106:37
Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.
Here the term underscores the severity of apostasy by linking shed with the horrific act of child sacrifice, showing the ultimate cost of abandoning God.