שָׁכַם (sha.kham)
sha.kham
to rise
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 61 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaḵam describes the act of rising early or making an early start. Its root imagery involves loading a burden onto one’s shoulders, which naturally led to its use for travelers who began their journeys before dawn. In the Old Testament, this word frequently marks the beginning of significant actions, such as Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:3 or the Israelites crossing the Jordan River at daybreak in Joshua 3:1.
While it often functions simply as an adverb meaning "early," shaḵam carries a distinct tone of urgency and diligence. The prophet Jeremiah uses this sense to describe God’s persistent efforts, stating that He spoke to Israel "earnestly" or repeatedly from early morning until late (Jeremiah 7:25). This usage highlights a steadfast commitment, turning a simple description of time into a statement about the intensity of divine communication and human responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaḵam describes the physical act of rising early, often to begin a journey or a task before the day fully begins. In the biblical narrative, this is rarely just about waking up; it signals a heart ready for obedience. When Abraham rose early to take Isaac to Moriah, or when Joshua prepared the people at the Jordan, their morning actions revealed a deep commitment to follow God’s lead without delay.
For your own life, this word invites you to consider where God might be calling you to start with intention and diligence. It is not about earning favor through exhaustion, but about offering your first hours as an act of trust. Whether you are facing a difficult decision or simply seeking to walk faithfully in daily duties, shaḵam reminds us that God meets those who are ready to move.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 61 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he rose early21×
- and/ they rose early16×
- rising early15×
- and/ you will rise early3×
- rise early2×
- you will rise early1×
- they rose early1×
- and/ rising early1×
- [who] rise early1×
- [those who] rise early1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם8×
- הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם7×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ6×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּ3×
- הַשְׁכֵּ֥ם3×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּם֙2×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם2×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם2×
- וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם2×
- תַּשְׁכִּ֖ים1×
- מַשְׁכִּימֵ֥י1×
- מַשְׁכִּ֪ימֵי1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:3
Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son. He split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went to the place of which God had told him.
Abraham’s early rising demonstrates immediate obedience to a terrifying command, showing that faith often requires action before full understanding.
-
Joshua 3:1
Joshua got up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel. They camped there before they crossed over.
Joshua’s preparation at daybreak marks the pivotal moment of Israel entering the Promised Land, highlighting divine timing and leadership readiness.
-
Exodus 9:13
Yahweh said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.
God instructs Moses to rise early to confront Pharaoh, emphasizing the urgency and authority of the divine message being delivered.
-
Genesis 28:18
Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top.
Jacob’s morning ritual after his dream establishes a tangible response to God’s presence, turning a spiritual encounter into a lasting commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shaḵam mean?
Why do biblical characters often rise early?
Is shaḵam only about waking up?
Every Occurrence (61 verses across 16 books)
Genesis 7 verses
and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can…
Genesis 19:27Abraham went up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Yahweh.
Genesis 20:8Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were…
Genesis 21:14Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a container of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her…
Genesis 22:3Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son.…
Genesis 26:31They rose up some time in the morning, and swore an oath to one another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from…
Genesis 28:18Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and…