שְׁכֵן (she.khan)
she.khan
to dwell
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shakan means to dwell or reside in a place. In its basic form, it describes the act of living somewhere, such as birds settling in a location. This simple sense of habitation establishes the foundation for its more significant theological usage.
In Scripture, the word appears most notably in Ezra 7:28, where it is used in the causative stem to describe God’s action. Here, the text speaks of God causing His name to dwell in Jerusalem. This shift from passive residence to active establishment highlights a divine initiative, marking the temple not just as a building, but as the chosen site for God’s presence among His people.
The distinction between the simple and causative forms is key. While one form indicates where someone stays, the other explains how that dwelling place is made possible by God. This usage underscores the belief that human spaces become holy only through divine permission and action, a theme central to the rebuilding efforts in Ezra.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shakan reminds us that God does not remain distant or detached from our world. In Ezra, we see a powerful declaration that the Lord actively chooses to dwell among His people. This is not a passive occurrence but a deliberate act of grace, where He establishes His presence in a specific place and time.
For your daily life, this offers profound comfort. It means that the spaces you inhabit can become sanctuaries of peace when aligned with God’s will. You are never alone in your struggles or joys; the same God who ordained the dwelling of His name is present with you now.
This truth invites us to view our homes and communities as places where divine presence can be welcomed. It is a gentle assurance that God initiates closeness, making ordinary moments sacred through His nearness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he has caused to dwell1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁכִּ֧ן1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 6:12
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.
This verse highlights the divine initiative where God actively causes His name to dwell in Jerusalem, establishing the temple as a secure place of presence protected by royal decree.