שָׁחַק (sha.chaq)
sha.chaq
to beat
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb shaḥaq describes the physical act of grinding or beating something into fine particles. Its core meaning involves reducing matter to powder, whether through rubbing or crushing. This concrete action applies to both natural materials and metaphorical situations in the biblical text.
In practical usage, the word appears when describing the preparation of sacred incense or the processing of stones, emphasizing a thorough reduction to dust. It also carries a figurative weight, as seen in Job 29:17 where God speaks of breaking the teeth of the wicked. Here, the image of grinding conveys the complete dismantling of power and strength.
This word highlights the finality of destruction. To shaḥaq is not merely to damage but to pulverize, leaving no recognizable form behind. The three occurrences in Scripture consistently point to this process of reduction, underscoring themes of judgment and the fragility of human might against divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about things being beaten into dust, it is easy to feel small. This Hebrew word describes a thorough grinding that leaves no recognizable form behind. It appears in the instructions for holy incense and in David’s songs of victory. The imagery reminds us that God has authority over every material thing, from sacred spices to powerful armies.
Yet this power is not just for destruction. In Exodus, the same action prepares something beautiful for worship. When we face pressures that feel like they are wearing us down like water on stone, we can remember that God uses these moments. He refines what is holy and brings order to chaos.
This word invites trust in a God who controls the details. Whether you are experiencing peace or pressure, His purpose stands firm. We rest knowing that nothing escapes His careful hand, and He works all things for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they rub away1×
- and/ you will beat fine1×
- and/ I beat fine/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁ֥חֲקוּ1×
- וְ/שָֽׁחַקְתָּ֣1×
- וְ/אֶשְׁחָקֵ֖/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 30:36
You shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the covenant in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be to you most holy.
This verse shows the word used positively to prepare holy incense, linking the act of grinding with worship.
-
II Samuel 22:43
Then I beat them as small as the dust of the earth. I crushed them as the mire of the streets, and spread them abroad.
David uses this term to describe God’s complete victory over enemies, reducing them to dust like street mud.
-
Job 14:19
The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.
Here the word illustrates how persistent natural forces wear away stone, mirroring how hardship can erode human hope.