שֵׂךְ (sekh)
sekh
thorn
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 sekh refers to a thorn, specifically one that causes pain or irritation. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 33:55, where it is part of a warning about the consequences of failing to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan.
In this context, the thorns are described as barbs in the eyes and thorns in the sides. This vivid imagery suggests that unresolved conflict or unchecked hostility will become a persistent, painful burden. The word captures the idea of something small but sharp that causes ongoing trouble if left unaddressed.
Though rare, sekh serves as a concrete metaphor for the lingering effects of disobedience or unresolved sin. It reminds readers that neglecting difficult tasks can lead to chronic discomfort, much like a thorn that continues to prick long after the initial encounter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sekh describes a sharp, persistent irritant found in Numbers 33:55. It serves as a vivid warning about the consequences of leaving difficult problems unresolved. When we ignore conflicts or fail to address sin, they do not disappear. Instead, they grow into burdens that prick and hinder our daily walk with God.
This imagery reminds us that small, unaddressed issues can cause lasting pain. Just as a thorn in the side causes constant discomfort, unresolved hostility disrupts our peace. The text encourages us to deal with these matters directly rather than letting them fester. By facing challenges with honesty and courage, we protect our hearts from ongoing irritation.
Let this truth encourage you to examine areas in your life that need attention. God invites you to bring these burdens to Him for healing and strength. Trust in His guidance as you navigate difficult relationships or personal struggles, knowing He offers rest for the weary soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <into>/ thorns1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/שִׂכִּים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:55
“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be like pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land in which you dwell.
This verse uses sekh to illustrate how unresolved hostility becomes a persistent, painful burden that harasses God's people.