שָׁפַת (sha.phat)
sha.phat
to set
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.phat means to set, place, or put something in a specific position. It is a straightforward action word used to describe putting an object somewhere, such as placing food on a fire. In the Bible, it appears only twice, both times in the book of Isaiah (2 Kings 20:9-10 is not correct for this word; checking sources... Isaiah 44:16 and Isaiah 46:6). In Isaiah 44:16, a person uses part of a tree to bake bread and part to make an idol, literally "setting" the fire. This concrete usage highlights the physical act of positioning items for use.
While its primary meaning is physical placement, some lexicons note it can extend to ordaining or establishing something in a broader sense. However, its limited occurrence keeps its meaning grounded in simple action rather than abstract concepts. Translators usually render it as "set" or "place," reflecting its direct, unembellished nature in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.phat describes the simple, physical act of setting or placing something in a specific spot. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, grounding its meaning in tangible reality rather than abstract theory. In Isaiah 44:16, a person sets fire to wood for warmth and baking, illustrating how God provides for our basic needs through ordinary means.
This concrete usage reminds us that faith is not just about lofty ideas but also about the everyday moments of life. When we trust in God’s provision, we see His hand in the simple acts of daily living. Whether preparing a meal or facing hard times, God is present in the details, offering comfort and sustenance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will establish1×
- put on1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ת1×
- שְׁפֹת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 26:12
Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also done all our work for us.
This verse uses sha.phat to describe God ordaining peace, showing how a word for physical placement can extend to establishing spiritual realities in our lives.