שָׁעָה (sha.ah)

sha.ah

moment

H8160 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun sha’ah denotes a very short period of time, best translated as "moment" or "brief time." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Daniel. In these instances, the word marks specific, fleeting intervals within prophetic visions, emphasizing how quickly divine judgments or events unfold compared to human perception.

Its usage is tightly bound to the apocalyptic style of Daniel, where timeframes are often symbolic yet precise. By focusing on such a brief duration, the text highlights the immediacy and certainty of God’s actions. The word does not imply an indefinite or vague span, but rather a distinct, short segment of history that passes rapidly.

Though rare in Scripture, sha’ah serves as a reminder of the transience of earthly powers against the backdrop of eternal divine sovereignty. Its limited occurrence underscores the specific nature of Daniel’s prophecies, where every moment carries weight and significance in the unfolding of God’s plan.

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 points to a fleeting moment, often translated as 'the same hour.' In the book of Daniel, this brief span marks the sudden arrival of divine action. It reminds us that God’s timing is precise and immediate, cutting through human uncertainty with clarity.

When we face situations where outcomes feel uncertain or delayed, sha’ah offers a quiet reassurance. The brevity of the moment highlights how swiftly God can intervene in our lives. This word invites trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He sees the end from the beginning and acts with purpose.

Reflecting on these brief intervals helps us appreciate the weight of each present moment. Rather than worrying about what lies ahead, we can rest in the knowledge that God is actively working within time itself. This perspective brings peace, anchoring our hearts in His faithful presence.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

moment/ the3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

שַׁעֲתָ֣/ה1×
שַׁעֲתָ֣/א1×
שַׁעֲתָ֗/ה1×

Key Verses

Daniel 3:6
Whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace the same hour.”

This verse uses sha’ah to emphasize the immediate consequence for refusing worship, highlighting the swift execution of Nebuchadnezzar's decree.
Daniel 3:15
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good; but if you don’t worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who is that god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

Here, the king repeats the threat of being cast into the furnace 'the same hour,' underscoring the urgency and finality of his demand for obedience.
Daniel 5:5
In the same hour, the fingers of a man’s hand came out and wrote near the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace. The king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

In this pivotal scene, sha’ah marks the sudden appearance of the divine writing on the wall, signaling the immediate beginning of Babylon's fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sha’ah mean in the Bible?

Sha’ah is a Hebrew noun meaning 'moment' or 'brief time.' It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within Daniel, to describe short, specific intervals when God acts or judgments occur.

Why is sha’ah important in Daniel?

In Daniel, sha’ah highlights the suddenness of divine intervention. It shows that God’s plans unfold with precision and immediacy, contrasting human delays with His sovereign timing.

How is sha’ah different from other words for time?

Unlike general terms for time, sha’ah focuses on a very short, distinct segment. It emphasizes brevity and immediacy, often marking the exact moment of an event rather than a longer period.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 3:6

Whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace the same hour.”

Daniel 3:15

Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…

Daniel 5:5

In the same hour, the fingers of a man’s hand came out and wrote near the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the…