שָׁנָא (sha.na)
sha.na
to change
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.na means simply to change or alter. It appears in just three verses, primarily in Lamentations, 2 Kings, and Ecclesiastes. The word covers both active changes made by a person and passive states of being changed, as seen in its different grammatical forms.
In Lamentations 5:21, the people ask God to "restore" or change their circumstances back to what they were before. This usage highlights a desire for reversal rather than mere modification. The verb is straightforward, lacking the complex emotional weight of related words for hatred or repetition.
Its rarity in Scripture suggests it serves as a functional term for general alteration. Translators typically render it as "change," "alter," or "restore" depending on context. It describes a shift in state without implying moral judgment or deep theological mystery.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sha.na describes a shift in state, whether it is an external change or an internal transformation. In Ecclesiastes 8:1, we see that wisdom actually changes a person’s countenance, softening what was once hard. This suggests that true understanding brings a visible peace to our lives, altering how we carry ourselves through daily challenges.
We also encounter this word in moments of deep loss. Lamentations 4:1 mourns how the pure gold has changed, losing its luster and value. Yet, even in such brokenness, there is hope. In Lamentations 5:21, the people ask God to restore them, using a form of this verb to seek a return to former blessings. This shows that change is not always permanent; with God, restoration is possible.
Whether our circumstances shift or our inner selves transform, sha.na reminds us that states are not fixed. We can trust that God works in these transitions, bringing light where there was hardness and hope where there was despair.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is changed2×
- and/ he changed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִשְׁנֶ֖א1×
- יְשֻׁנֶּֽא\׃1×
- וְ/שִׁנָּ֕א1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
This verse shows wisdom actively changing a person's demeanor, turning hardness into a shining face.
-
Lamentations 4:1
How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
Here the verb describes the tragic alteration of sacred gold, highlighting the severity of Jerusalem's fall.
-
II Kings 25:29
and changed his prison garments. Jehoiachin ate bread before him continually all the days of his life;
This occurrence marks a practical change in clothing, signaling Jehoiachin’s shift from prisoner to honored guest.