שָׁכַן (sha.khan)
sha.khan
to dwell
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 105 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb shaqan means to settle down and take up residence, carrying a sense of permanent or long-term dwelling rather than a brief stop. In the Old Testament it describes God making His home among His people, as seen when He promises to dwell in the midst of Israel (Exodus 25:8), and it also refers to human beings inhabiting the land peacefully (Psalm 37:29). The word implies stability and a fixed place of rest.
Its root likely connects to the idea of lodging or shelter, which explains its frequent use for the tabernacle and later the temple. While other Hebrew words can mean simply visiting or passing through, shaqan suggests establishing a home base. This theological weight makes it central to understanding God’s desire for intimate, enduring presence with His people.
Translators often render shaqan as "dwell," "tabernacle," or "inhabit," depending on context. The Piel stem adds the sense of causing someone to dwell or establishing them in a place. This active form appears when God is described as settling Israel in their land (Jeremiah 33:16), highlighting His role as the one who establishes and secures their home.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shaqan describes more than a temporary stop; it means to settle down and make a home. In the Old Testament, this verb carries deep theological weight because it describes God choosing to dwell among His people. When He commanded Israel to build the tabernacle, He said, "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). This promise shows that God desires intimate, enduring presence with those who follow Him.
For your faith life, this reminds you that you are not left to navigate life alone. Just as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, God’s glory fills the space where His people gather. You can trust in His stability. He is not a distant observer but a resident who shares your journey and provides a secure place of rest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 105 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ cause to dwell8×
- it dwells6×
- to/ dwell4×
- they will dwell4×
- he will dwell4×
- and/ I will dwell4×
- it will settle3×
- it will dwell3×
- he dwells3×
- and/ it will dwell3×
- [am] dwelling3×
- I dwell3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/שַׁכֵּ֥ן5×
- יִשְׁכְּנוּ\־4×
- יִשְׁכָּן\־3×
- תִּשְׁכּ֣וֹן2×
- שֹׁכֵ֥ן2×
- שֹׁכֵ֖ן2×
- שָׁכֵ֔ן2×
- לְ/שַׁכֵּ֣ן2×
- יִשְׁכֹּ֥ן2×
- יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן2×
- וַ/יִּשְׁכֹּ֥ן2×
- וְ/שָׁכַנְתִּ֖י2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 25:8
Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
This verse establishes the core purpose of the tabernacle as a place for God to dwell among His people.
-
Exodus 40:35
Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle.
It shows that God's glory filled the tabernacle so completely that Moses could not enter, highlighting the weight of His presence.
-
Numbers 9:17
Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped.
This occurrence links Israel's physical movement directly to the cloud's position, showing how God's dwelling guided their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shaqan mean?
How is shaqan different from other words for living?
Where does shaqan appear most often?
Every Occurrence (105 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 8 verses
So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned…
Genesis 9:27May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”
Genesis 14:13One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother…
Genesis 16:12He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will…
Genesis 25:18They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.
Genesis 26:2Yahweh appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about.
Genesis 35:22While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now…
Genesis 49:13“Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea. He will be for a haven of ships. His border will be on Sidon.