שֹׁטֵר (sho.ter)
sho.ter
official
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shoṭer refers to an official or officer, originally describing a scribe or secretary. Its root likely means "to write," reflecting how ancient administrative roles were tied to record-keeping and legal authority. In Scripture, these figures served as magistrates, overseers, or superintendents who managed people and resources.
This word appears frequently in narratives about Israel’s organization, such as when Moses appointed leaders to help govern the people (Numbers 11:16) or when judges were established in every town (Deuteronomy 16:18). It also describes the taskmasters overseeing Israelite laborers in Egypt (Exodus 5:6), highlighting their role in enforcing authority. The term covers both civil administrators and military officers, depending on context.
Translators typically render shoṭer as "officer," "official," or "overseer." While the English words can feel generic, the Hebrew carries a sense of structured duty rooted in written law and organized society. This reflects a community where leadership was not merely about power but about maintaining order through documented responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shoṭer describes an official or officer, someone entrusted with structured duty and organized responsibility. In ancient Israel, these figures were not merely enforcers of power but stewards who maintained order through documented authority. They served as magistrates, overseers, or superintendents, ensuring that justice was administered fairly and that community resources were managed wisely.
For your faith life, this concept reminds us that leadership is a form of service rooted in accountability. Whether in biblical narratives or modern contexts, those in authority are called to act with integrity, reflecting a commitment to order and righteousness. This word highlights how God values organized communities where leaders guide others with wisdom and care.
When you encounter references to officials in Scripture, consider the balance of power and responsibility they represent. Their role was to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, offering a model for how we might approach leadership today. May this understanding inspire you to value fairness and diligence in your own sphere of influence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ officials5×
- the/ officials3×
- [the] foremen of3×
- and/ <to>/ officials/ its2×
- to/ officials1×
- the/ official1×
- the/ officers1×
- icer1×
- foremen/ its1×
- and/ officials/ your1×
- and/ officials/ their1×
- and/ officials/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙2×
- וְ/שֹׁטְרִ֥ים2×
- וְ/שֹׁטְרִ֖ים2×
- הַ/שֹּׁטְרִ֖ים2×
- שֹׁטֵ֥ר1×
- שֹׁטְרָ֖י/ו1×
- שֹׁטְרֵ֥י1×
- שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י1×
- לְ/שֹׁטְרִ֖ים1×
- וּ/לְ/שֹֽׁטְרָ֑י/ו1×
- וּ/לְ/שֹׁ֣טְרָ֔י/ו1×
- וְ/שֹׁטְרָ֑י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 5:6
The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying,
This verse introduces the shoṭer as taskmasters enforcing Pharaoh's harsh demands, showing their role in oppressive authority.
-
Deuteronomy 16:18
You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
Here, God commands the appointment of officers to judge with righteousness, linking leadership to divine justice.
-
Numbers 11:16
Yahweh said to Moses, “Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; and bring them to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you.
Moses gathers seventy elders and officers to share the burden of leadership, illustrating communal responsibility under God's guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shoṭer mean?
How is shoṭer different from other leadership terms in the Bible?
Where does shoṭer appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 7 books)
Exodus 5 verses
The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying,
Exodus 5:10The taskmasters of the people went out with their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, “This is what Pharaoh…
Exodus 5:14The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, “Why…
Exodus 5:15Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal this way with your…
Exodus 5:19The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble when it was said, “You shall not diminish anything…