שַׁל (shal)
shal
irreverence
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shal appears only once in the Old Testament, found in 2 Samuel 22:26. In this context, it is translated as "irreverence" or "fault," describing a lack of respect or a moral failing. The precise nuance remains somewhat uncertain among scholars, with some translations rendering it simply as "error" or "mistake."
Its usage in the Psalm of David highlights God’s faithful response to those who are blameless versus His reaction toward the perverse. While the exact etymology is debated, the term serves to contrast divine loyalty with human moral deviation. This rare occurrence underscores the seriousness of maintaining integrity before God, marking a specific boundary between righteous conduct and irreverent behavior.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shal describes a specific kind of irreverence or moral fault. It appears only once in the Old Testament, highlighting how serious it is to treat holy things with carelessness. In 2 Samuel 6:7, we see this concept in action when Uzzah touches the ark of God. His action, though perhaps well-intentioned, showed a lack of respect for God’s commands, and the result was tragic.
This rare word reminds us that God values obedience over convenience. It is not enough to have good intentions; we must also honor God’s way. When we approach prayer, worship, or service, we do so with reverence. We remember that God is holy, and our actions should reflect that truth. This helps us grow in humility and careful devotion.
May you find peace in knowing that God desires your heart to be aligned with His will. Let this word encourage you to approach Him with both love and respect, trusting in His grace while honoring His holiness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ presumption1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שַּׁ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 6:7
Yahweh’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by God’s ark.
This verse shows the word used for Uzzah's error in touching the ark, illustrating how irreverence toward holy things leads to severe consequences.