שִׁטָּה (shit.tah)
shit.tah
acacia
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shitah refers to the acacia tree and its wood, a material central to Israel’s wilderness worship. The sources identify it as Mimosa nilotica, a hardy species found in Egypt and Arabia, known for its black thorns and durable timber that resembles ebony when aged. This physical toughness made it ideal for constructing portable sacred objects that needed to withstand travel.
Its most significant appearance is in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle. Exodus records that the ark, the table for showbread, the lampstand, and the altar were all crafted from acacia wood (Exodus 25:10-13; 26:26). The text also lists acacia wood among the materials brought by the people as a contribution for the sanctuary’s construction (Exodus 35:7). This consistent usage highlights its role as the primary structural material for holy furniture.
Isaiah 41:19 mentions the tree in a prophetic context, where God promises to plant acacia alongside cedar and cypress in the wilderness. Here, the tree symbolizes God’s ability to provide life and stability in barren places. The word also appears as part of the place name Shittim, referring to a valley on the border of Moab (Numbers 25:1; Joshua 3:1), linking the material to specific moments in Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for acacia appears repeatedly in the instructions for building the Tabernacle. This wood was chosen not for beauty, but for durability. It grew in the harsh wilderness and could withstand the rigors of travel. God used this tough material to create the Ark, the Table, and the Altar. The choice shows that He values strength and permanence in what is set apart for Him.
For your faith, this offers a quiet comfort. Just as acacia wood formed the foundation of Israel’s worship, God uses reliable, steadfast things to support your spiritual life. You do not need flashy or fragile foundations. The same God who provided durable timber in the desert provides steady grace for your daily walk.
Isaiah also speaks of this tree planting itself in barren places. This image reminds us that God brings stability where there is none. When your surroundings feel unstable, remember that He can establish firm ground beneath your feet. His presence turns empty spaces into places of lasting hope and order.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- acacia27×
- acacia tree[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁטִּ֑ים15×
- שִׁטִּ֔ים6×
- שִׁטִּ֖ים3×
- שִׂטִּֽים\׃1×
- שִׁטָּ֔ה1×
- שִׁטִּֽים\׃1×
- שִׁטִּ֛ים1×
Key Verses
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Exodus 25:10
“They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.
This verse establishes acacia wood as the primary material for the Ark, highlighting its role in holding the most sacred covenant object.
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Exodus 26:15
“You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright.
Here the wood forms the structural boards of the Tabernacle, showing its function as the essential framework for God's dwelling place.
-
Exodus 37:1
Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.
Bezalel’s construction of the Ark from acacia demonstrates the practical application of divine instructions using available wilderness resources.
-
Exodus 25:23
“You shall make a table of acacia wood. Its length shall be two cubits, and its width a cubit, and its height one and a half cubits.
The table for showbread is made of this wood, indicating its use for items that required both strength and a connection to daily provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shitah mean?
Why was acacia wood chosen for the Tabernacle?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 3 books)
Exodus 26 verses
rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,
Exodus 25:10“They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its width a cubit and a half, and a…
Exodus 25:13You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 25:23“You shall make a table of acacia wood. Its length shall be two cubits, and its width a cubit, and its height one and a…
Exodus 25:28You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.
Exodus 26:15“You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright.
Exodus 26:26“You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 26:32You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.
Exodus 26:37You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold. You…
Exodus 27:1“You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height…
Exodus 27:6You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze.
Exodus 30:1“You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood.
Exodus 30:5You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 35:7rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,
Exodus 35:24Everyone who offered an offering of silver and bronze brought Yahweh’s offering; and everyone with whom was found…
Exodus 36:20He made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up.
Exodus 36:31He made bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:36He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold. He cast four sockets of…
Exodus 37:1Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a…
Exodus 37:4He made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 37:10He made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its width was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and…
Exodus 37:15He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.
Exodus 37:25He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height…
Exodus 37:28He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.
Exodus 38:1He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five…
Exodus 38:6He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with bronze.