שָׁכָה (sha.khah)
sha.khah
to lust
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaḥah, appearing in the Hiphil stem, carries a specialized meaning related to horses. In its single biblical occurrence in Jeremiah, it describes animals that have become wild or are roaming at large, losing their discipline and direction.
Lexical sources note that the precise nuance is somewhat uncertain, though the imagery consistently points to uncontrolled movement. Rather than a simple "lust" in the modern sexual sense, the term evokes the chaotic energy of horses running free, suggesting a state of being untamed or lacking restraint.
This rare usage highlights how biblical language often draws from animal behavior to illustrate human spiritual conditions. The image of roaming horses serves as a vivid metaphor for lives that have drifted from their intended path, emphasizing disorder over mere desire.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shaḥah appears only once in Scripture, inside Jeremiah 5:8. There it describes horses that have been well-fed yet refuse to stay in their stalls. Instead of resting, they roam at large, driven by a restless energy that pulls them toward what belongs to others. This image captures a specific kind of spiritual restlessness where comfort does not lead to contentment.
For your faith life, this verse offers a honest mirror. It shows how physical ease can sometimes fuel deeper dissatisfaction rather than peace. The text links this wild behavior directly to the desire for a neighbor’s wife, illustrating how unchecked impulses can disrupt relationships and community order. Recognizing this pattern helps us see that true stability comes from aligning our desires with God's design.
When you feel pulled toward things that promise satisfaction but bring chaos, remember this image. It invites you to examine what drives your restlessness. Seeking guidance through prayer and community can help restore direction when your heart feels like a horse running without a path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lustful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַשְׁכִּ֣ים1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 5:8
They were as fed horses roaming at large. Everyone neighed after his neighbor’s wife.
This verse uses the word to depict fed horses roaming freely, linking their untamed physical state directly to lustful desire for a neighbor's wife.