שָׁטַף (sha.taph)
sha.taph
to overflow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaṭaph describes a powerful force of rushing water, whether it is an overflowing river, a cleansing flood, or a sweeping current. Its core sense involves abundance and movement, capturing images where water gushes out with such intensity that it overwhelms what stands in its path. This dynamic energy allows the word to shift naturally from physical inundation to metaphorical descriptions of judgment or purification.
In Scripture, this word paints vivid pictures of both destruction and relief. It appears when prophets describe armies advancing like a deluge, as seen in Daniel’s visions of kings who will be swept away by overwhelming forces (Daniel 11:10, 26). Conversely, it conveys comfort and restoration, such as when Isaiah promises that God’s people will not be drowned even if waters rise to their necks (Isaiah 43:2), or when Psalm 78 recalls how water flowed abundantly from the rock in the wilderness.
The term also retains a literal sense of washing or rinsing, often used in ritual contexts to describe cleaning objects or surfaces thoroughly. This dual nature—capable of scouring away impurity or crushing under pressure—highlights the Hebrew imagination’s ability to link physical water with spiritual reality. The word reminds readers that divine action can be as cleansing as a wash and as unstoppable as a flood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaṭaph captures the raw power of rushing water, whether it is a river breaking its banks or a cleansing flood sweeping away impurity. In Scripture, this imagery moves between judgment and comfort. It describes armies advancing like a deluge in Daniel’s visions, yet it also appears in Isaiah’s promise that God’s people will not be overwhelmed even when waters rise to their necks. This duality reminds us that divine action can be as unstoppable as a flood and as thorough as a wash.
For your faith, this word offers both warning and assurance. It acknowledges the overwhelming pressures of life—whether political turmoil or personal trial—but anchors them in God’s sovereignty. The same force that sweeps away destruction is the one who extends peace like a river to His people. You are invited to rest in the truth that no current is too strong for God to control, and no flood can drown the hope He provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- overflowing6×
- it will overflow2×
- which/ flowed1×
- they will overflow/ you1×
- they will overflow/ it1×
- they will overflow1×
- they will be swept away1×
- they overflowed1×
- they had overflowed/ us1×
- it will be rinsed1×
- it washes off1×
- he has rinsed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שׁוֹטֵף֙2×
- שָׁטַ֣ף2×
- תִּשְׁטֹֽף\־1×
- שׁוֹטֵ֥ף1×
- שׁוֹטֵ֤ף1×
- שׁוֹטֵ֛ף1×
- שׁוֹטֵ֖ף1×
- שׁוֹטֵ֔ף1×
- שֹׁטְפִ֛ים1×
- שְׁטָפ֑וּ/נוּ1×
- יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף1×
- יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
This verse uses shaṭaph to assure believers that divine presence prevents overwhelming forces from submerging them, turning a threat into a protected passage.
-
Isaiah 66:12
For Yahweh says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, and you will nurse. You will be carried on her side, and will be dandled on her knees.
Here the word shifts from destruction to blessing, describing God’s peace extending like an overflowing stream that nourishes and sustains His people.
-
Daniel 11:40
“At the time of the end the king of the south will contend with him; and the king of the north will come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, with horsemen, and with many ships. He will enter into the countries, and will overflow and pass through.
The term depicts military forces advancing like a whirlwind, illustrating how historical events can mirror the unstoppable force of rushing waters.
-
Isaiah 8:8
It will sweep onward into Judah. It will overflow and pass through. It will reach even to the neck. The stretching out of its wings will fill the width of your land, O Immanuel.
This passage uses the image of an overflowing stream reaching to the neck to describe the severity of judgment against Judah, emphasizing the inescapable nature of divine correction.