שָׁסַף (sha.saph)
sha.saph
to hew
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.saph appears only once in the Old Testament, found in 1 Samuel 15:33. In this context, it describes the action taken against King Agag. The form used is the Piel, which typically indicates an intensive or causative action, suggesting a forceful cutting or hewing.
Lexical sources describe the meaning as "to hew in pieces" or "cut in pieces." However, the precise nature of this violence remains uncertain to scholars. The root itself is rare and its exact etymology is debated, leaving translators to rely on the immediate context of Samuel’s execution of judgment.
This single occurrence carries significant theological weight as it marks the final end of Agag, the Amalekite king. The uncertainty surrounding the word’s specific mechanics does not diminish its role in the narrative. It serves as a stark, concrete detail in the account of divine justice carried out through Samuel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.saph appears just once in Scripture, describing a moment of final judgment in 1 Samuel 15:33. Here, it conveys the decisive action taken against King Agag, marking the end of his reign and the Amalekite threat. This rare verb carries heavy weight, reminding us that God’s justice is real and complete.
For your faith, this word offers a sobering glimpse into divine holiness. It shows that evil does not go unanswered and that God acts to protect His people. While the text does not dwell on the violence for its own sake, it highlights the seriousness of rebellion against God’s commands.
Though we may struggle with the harshness of this scene, it points to a God who is both just and merciful. He judges sin but offers hope to those who seek Him. This single occurrence invites us to trust in His righteous rule and find comfort in His ultimate victory over evil.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he cut to pieces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְשַׁסֵּ֨ף1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 15:33
Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!” Then Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal.
This is the only verse where sha.saph appears, describing Samuel's act of cutting Agag in pieces to execute divine judgment.