שָׁעָה (sha.ah)
sha.ah
to gaze
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha’ah describes a focused, steady act of looking — not a casual glance, but a deliberate gaze at or regard for something. In its basic Qal form, it carries the sense of beholding or observing with attention, often implying that what is seen holds significance for the viewer.
The word’s nuance shifts in other stems: the Hiphil can mean to cause someone to look away, while the Hithpael conveys a more anxious state, such as gazing about in dismay. This range suggests that sha’ah is not merely physical sight but involves an internal reaction — whether it be interest, disturbance, or turning one’s attention elsewhere.
In Scripture, this verb appears most frequently in Isaiah, Job, and Genesis, often in contexts where characters observe events with gravity or unease. For example, in Job 31:27, the speaker confesses that his heart was secretly enticed to gaze after a reward, revealing how sha’ah can expose inner motives through outward 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 sha'ah describes a steady, focused gaze rather than a fleeting glance. It suggests looking at something with intention, whether that attention is drawn to God in reverence or turned away in distress. In the Psalms and Prophets, this verb often marks a moment of spiritual reckoning where the viewer’s eyes meet the reality of their situation.
When we read Isaiah 17:7, we see people looking to their Maker with respect. This is not passive observation but an active engagement of the heart. Conversely, Job pleads for God to look away, highlighting how intense scrutiny can feel overwhelming in seasons of pain. The word reminds us that where we direct our gaze reveals what we truly value and fear.
Your faith journey involves moments of both seeking and resting. Sometimes you are called to look closely at God’s promises with steady eyes. Other times, you need permission to turn your attention elsewhere to find peace. This verb invites you to be honest about where your focus lies, trusting that God meets you in both the gaze of worship and the gaze of weariness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- look away2×
- he will look2×
- you fear1×
- will you look away1×
- they will gaze1×
- they looked1×
- they look1×
- them pay attention1×
- he looked1×
- and/ let us fear1×
- and/ he looked1×
- and/ I may have regard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִשְׁע֖וּ2×
- תִּשְׁתָּ֖ע1×
- תִשְׁעֶ֣ה1×
- תִשְׁעֶ֖ינָה1×
- שָׁעוּ֙1×
- שָׁעָ֑ה1×
- שְׁעֵ֣ה1×
- שְׁע֥וּ1×
- יִשְׁעֶ֥ה1×
- יִשְׁעֶ֔ה1×
- וַ/יִּ֣שַׁע1×
- וְ/נִשְׁתָּ֖עָה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 17:7
In that day, people will look to their Maker, and their eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.
This verse captures the positive aspect of sha'ah, where people look to their Maker with reverence and recognition of His holiness.
-
Job 7:19
How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?
Here the word illustrates the human desire for relief from divine scrutiny, showing how intense observation can feel like a burden in suffering.
-
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek Yahweh!
The prophet uses this verb to contrast trusting in military power with looking to the Holy One of Israel, highlighting a failure of spiritual focus.