שַׁ֫יִט (sha.yit)
sha.yit
oar
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 shaṭiṯ is a rare word that literally means "rowing," describing the physical act of propelling a vessel through water. Its occurrence in Scripture is limited to a single instance in Isaiah 33:21, where it appears in a vivid metaphorical contrast. The text envisions a future time when God’s people will no longer need oars or ships for protection, because the Lord Himself will be their sovereign ruler.
Lexical sources note that the term is sometimes interpreted figuratively as a "scourge" or lash, drawing a parallel between the motion of rowing and the striking of a whip. However, in its sole biblical context, the word functions to highlight the absence of human effort. The image suggests that in the coming age of divine peace, the laborious work of navigating dangerous waters will be completely unnecessary, replaced by the immediate presence of God’s glory.
This unique usage underscores a theological theme of transition from struggle to rest. By mentioning shaṭiṯ, the prophet emphasizes that security no longer depends on human technology or strenuous activity. Instead, it rests entirely on the visible majesty of the King, rendering the tools of survival obsolete in the face of His direct reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shaṭiṯ appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 33:21, where it describes an oar used to row a ship. The prophet paints a picture of a future time when God’s people will live near wide rivers and streams, yet no boat with oars will ever pass by. This image suggests that the hard work of steering through dangerous waters will be completely unnecessary because the Lord Himself is present as their sovereign ruler.
For your faith, this offers a deep sense of peace. It reminds us that security does not depend on our own strenuous efforts or the tools we use to navigate life’s storms. Instead, it rests entirely on the visible majesty of the King. When God is with us in His glory, the need for human protection fades away, leaving us in a place of rest and safety.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rowing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁ֔יִט1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 33:21
But there Yahweh will be with us in majesty, a place of wide rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will go, neither will any gallant ship pass by there.
This verse uses the word to symbolize the end of human struggle, showing that God's direct presence makes all protective measures obsolete.