שׂוּחַ (su.ach)
su.ach
to meditate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb suach appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Genesis 24:63 where Isaac goes out to meditate in the field at the eventide. Its precise meaning remains a subject of scholarly debate, with lexicons suggesting options that range from "to meditate" or "muse" to "to commune," "to speak," or even "to complain." This uncertainty stems from its rarity and the limited context provided by the single occurrence.
Most translations render it as "meditating" or "praying," capturing a sense of quiet reflection or spiritual communion. The image is of Isaac stepping away from daily activity into solitude, likely seeking connection with God or contemplating his future. While some sources hint at a nuance of complaint, the prevailing view favors a peaceful, introspective act, highlighting a moment of personal devotion in the patriarchal narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Isaac’s quiet moment in the field offers a gentle invitation for us to pause amidst the busyness of life. The word suach describes a deliberate turning away from daily tasks to seek stillness, whether through reflection or prayer. It reminds us that spiritual connection often begins in silence, where we can listen rather than speak.
This single occurrence in Scripture highlights the value of solitude. Isaac stepped out into the evening not to escape his responsibilities, but to ground himself before God. We too can find peace by carving out small moments for quiet contemplation, allowing our hearts to settle and our minds to focus on what truly matters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ meditate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/שׂ֥וּחַ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:63
Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes and looked. Behold, there were camels coming.
This verse captures the essence of suach as Isaac leaves his daily routine to engage in quiet reflection or prayer during the evening hours.