שֹׁטֵט (sho.tet)
sho.tet
scourge
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shōṭēt refers to a whip or scourge, an instrument designed for inflicting punishment through striking. Its meaning is concrete and physical, pointing directly to the tool used in corporal discipline rather than the abstract concept of suffering itself.
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Joshua 23:13. There, it serves as a stark image within a warning about the consequences of disobedience. The text describes how remaining nations will become a snare and a scourge to Israel, highlighting the painful reality of divine judgment through foreign oppression.
As a rare term, its impact relies on its singular usage. It underscores the severity of the covenant warnings given by Joshua to the tribes. The word captures the visceral nature of the penalties threatened for abandoning the Law, leaving a lasting impression of the cost of faithlessness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shōṭēt describes a whip or scourge, an instrument of punishment used in ancient times. It appears only once in Scripture, in Joshua 23:13. Here, it warns Israel that staying close to pagan nations would bring sharp pain, like thorns in the eyes or a whip on the side.
This image reminds us that our choices have real consequences. When we allow harmful influences into our lives, they can wound us deeply. God’s warning is not meant to frighten, but to protect. He desires our well-being and freedom from pain.
May this truth encourage you to guard your heart and walk closely with the Lord, finding safety in His guidance and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ <into>/ a scourge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/לְ/שֹׁטֵ֤ט1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 23:13
know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no longer drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you.
This verse uses shōṭēt to depict foreign nations as a whip on Israel's sides, showing how disobedience leads to painful oppression.