שָׁחָה (sha.chah)
sha.chah
to bow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 153 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.chah describes the physical act of bowing down or prostrating oneself, often by lowering the head to the ground. It appears frequently in Genesis and Isaiah, capturing a posture of deep respect or submission. The sources note that this gesture was not limited to religious worship; it was also a standard social custom for showing homage to kings, princes, and even equals, as seen when Abraham bows before the Hittites in Genesis 23:7.
Its most significant usage, however, is directed toward God. In passages like Exodus 4:31, the Israelites bow their heads in worship after hearing of Moses’ deliverance. The lexicons highlight that this physical lowering signifies a recognition of superior authority or divine majesty. While it can describe simple reverence, the word carries substantial theological weight when used for idolatrous practices, serving as a stark contrast between true devotion and false allegiance.
Translators typically render sha.chah as "bow down," "worship," or "fall down," depending on the context. The verb’s range extends from literal physical bending to metaphorical depression of the heart, as seen in Proverbs 12:25 where anxiety weighs a person down. This versatility allows the text to connect bodily posture with internal states of humility or distress, grounding abstract spiritual concepts in tangible human behavior.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.chah describes a physical lowering of the body, whether bowing before a king or prostrating oneself before God. In ancient culture, this gesture was a standard way to show respect and acknowledge authority. It reminds us that true reverence is not just an internal feeling but something we express with our whole being.
When Abraham bowed to the Hittites in Genesis 23, he showed courtesy to those around him. When the Israelites bowed their heads in Exodus 4:31, they responded to God’s deliverance with humble gratitude. This word teaches us that posture matters. We can bring our physical selves into our relationship with God, acknowledging His greatness and our need for Him.
As you encounter challenges this week, remember that humility is a strength. Bowing before God does not diminish your dignity; it aligns you with the One who holds all authority. May you find peace in knowing that You are seen and valued by the Lord, no matter how small or large your gestures of faith may seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 153 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he bowed down38×
- and/ they bowed down27×
- to/ bow down13×
- and/ you will bow down9×
- and/ she bowed down7×
- you must bow down6×
- you will bow down4×
- bow down4×
- they will bow down3×
- they bow down3×
- he bowed down3×
- and/ to/ bow down3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ9×
- וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ8×
- וַ/תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ5×
- וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ5×
- וְ/הִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֖ם5×
- וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙4×
- וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ4×
- לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֖ת3×
- וּ/לְ/הִשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֣ת3×
- וַ/יִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ\׃3×
- וַ/יִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ3×
- וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ\׃3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 4:31
The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.
The Israelites bow their heads in immediate response to hearing that God has seen their affliction, linking physical worship to the experience of divine rescue.
-
Genesis 23:7
Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth.
Abraham bows to the local people to negotiate land, showing that sha.chah includes social respect and courtesy toward others, not just religious devotion.
-
Genesis 18:2
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
Abraham runs to meet the three men and bows himself to the earth, illustrating deep hospitality and reverence in a casual encounter.
-
Genesis 37:10
He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to the earth before you?”
Jacob rebukes Joseph for his dream of stars bowing down, highlighting how this posture can cause tension when it implies superior status among family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sha.chah mean in the Bible?
Is sha.chah only about worship?
How is sha.chah different from other words for worship?
Every Occurrence (153 verses across 23 books)
Genesis 21 verses
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the…
Genesis 19:1The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed…
Genesis 22:5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and come…
Genesis 23:7Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth.
Genesis 23:12Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.
Genesis 24:26The man bowed his head, and worshiped Yahweh.
Genesis 24:48I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right…
Genesis 24:52When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth to Yahweh.
Genesis 27:29Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers. Let your mother’s sons bow down to you.…
Genesis 33:3He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Genesis 33:6Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.
Genesis 33:7Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed…
Genesis 37:7for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your…
Genesis 37:9He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and…
Genesis 37:10He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you…
Genesis 42:6Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and…
Genesis 43:26When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down…
Genesis 43:28They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly.
Genesis 47:31Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.
Genesis 48:12Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Genesis 49:8“Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. Your father’s sons will bow down…