שֹׁ֫חַד (sha.chad)
sha.chad
bribe
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shachad refers to a present or gift, but in Scripture it almost always carries the negative weight of a bribe. It describes something given to influence a decision, particularly to secure justice for oneself or to avoid punishment. The sources highlight its use in legal and judicial contexts, where it corrupts the integrity of those in authority.
This word appears frequently in wisdom literature and prophetic warnings. Proverbs 17:8 observes that such a gift seems like a precious stone to the one who holds it, illustrating how easily it blinds judgment. Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:17 contrasts God’s justice with human corruption by noting that He does not take a shachad, establishing a standard for leaders who are expected to follow His example.
The term underscores the danger of using material advantage to manipulate outcomes. It is not merely a neutral exchange but a tool that distorts truth and fairness. By linking the concept to the failure of judges in Isaiah 5:23 and Micah 3:11, the text presents shachad as a symbol of systemic injustice rather than simple generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shachad describes a gift given to bend the rules or sway judgment. It is not a neutral present but a tool of corruption that distorts truth and fairness. In ancient Israel, this term was central to legal and judicial life, warning leaders that material advantage cannot buy integrity.
For your faith, this word highlights the value of honesty in every decision. Proverbs 17:8 reminds us that such gifts may seem like precious stones to the giver, yet they ultimately blind wisdom. True justice does not look for shortcuts or hidden payments but stands firm on what is right.
God’s standard remains clear and consistent throughout Scripture. He does not respect persons or take bribes, setting a pattern for how we treat others. When we choose transparency over manipulation, we reflect the character of a God who values truth above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a bribe11×
- and/ a bribe3×
- the/ bribe2×
- for/ a bribe2×
- a gift2×
- on <the>/ bribe1×
- <the>/ bribe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹֽׁחַד\׃4×
- שֹׁ֔חַד4×
- וְ/שֹׁ֥חַד2×
- שֹּֽׁחַד\׃1×
- שֹֽׁחַד\׃\ \פ1×
- שֹׁ֣חַד1×
- שֹׁ֙חַד֙1×
- שֹׁ֑חַד1×
- וְ/שֹׁ֖חַד1×
- הַ֭/שֹּׁחַד1×
- הַ/שֹּׁ֙חַד֙1×
- הַ/שֹּׁ֗חַד1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 23:8
“You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.
This verse establishes the core danger of the word by stating that it blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.
-
Deuteronomy 10:17
For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons or take bribes.
The note highlights God’s perfect justice by contrasting His refusal to take bribes with human corruption, setting a standard for leaders.
-
Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
This occurrence illustrates the psychological trap of bribery by comparing it to a precious stone that seems to bring prosperity to the giver.
-
Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for bribes, and her priests teach for a price, and her prophets of it tell fortunes for money; yet they lean on Yahweh, and say, “Isn’t Yahweh among us? No disaster will come on us.”
The note shows how systemic injustice arises when leaders, priests, and prophets all accept payment instead of serving God’s people faithfully.