שֶׁ֫טֶף (she.teph)
she.teph
flood
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sheteph denotes a sudden, violent flood or downpour in the Hebrew Bible. It describes water that rushes with overwhelming force, often carrying away everything in its path. This word appears only five times, primarily in poetic and prophetic texts where it serves as a vivid image of divine judgment or sudden calamity.
Its meaning is closely tied to destruction rather than mere abundance. In Daniel 11:26, for instance, it describes the floodwaters that sweep away the weak from among the people during political turmoil. Similarly, in Psalms and Proverbs, it illustrates how God’s wrath or wisdom can overwhelm the wicked like a rushing torrent. The term conveys inevitability and power, leaving no room for resistance.
Sheteph is distinct from other Hebrew words for water or rain because of its emphasis on force and chaos. It often appears in contexts where human plans are shattered by forces beyond control. Translators typically render it as "flood" to capture this sense of sudden, destructive movement. The word’s rarity underscores the gravity of the events it describes, marking them as moments when divine action or cosmic disorder breaks through ordinary life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sheteph describes a sudden, violent flood that sweeps away everything in its path. In the Bible, it is not used for gentle rain but for overwhelming force—often representing divine judgment or chaotic events that break through ordinary life. This rarity underscores the gravity of such moments, marking them as times when human plans are shattered by powers beyond control.
Yet this imagery also offers comfort. Psalm 32:6 reminds us that while great waters may overflow, those who seek God find refuge. The same power that brings chaos is sovereign over it. When life feels like it is rushing out of control, we can trust that God’s purposes stand firm against the torrent.
This word invites us to recognize our dependence on divine protection. It does not promise safety from all storms, but it assures us that no flood has the final word. In times of turmoil, faith anchors us in the One who commands the waters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ a flood of1×
- the/ flood1×
- for the/ flood1×
- and/ [the] flood of1×
- [will be] by <the>/ flood1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/שֶּׁ֣טֶף1×
- לְ֭/שֵׁטֶף1×
- וְ/שֶׁ֣טֶף1×
- הַ/שֶּׁ֛טֶף1×
- בַ/שֶּׁ֔טֶף1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 9:26
After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off, and will have nothing. The people of the prince who come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will be with a flood, and war will be even to the end. Desolations are determined.
The term 'flood' here signifies a devastating invasion that destroys Jerusalem and its sanctuary, showing how divine judgment can overwhelm political powers.
-
Psalms 32:6
For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.
This verse contrasts the destructive power of overflowing waters with the safety found in prayer, highlighting God as a refuge during times of crisis.
-
Job 38:25
Who has cut a channel for the flood water, or the path for the thunderstorm,
God uses this word to demonstrate His absolute control over natural forces, reminding Job that even chaotic elements are under His command.