שָׁקָה (sha.qah)
sha.qah
to water: watering
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb shaqah primarily means to give drink or to water, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible. In its most common form, the Hiphil stem describes the act of causing someone or something to drink. This usage is vividly illustrated in Genesis 24, where Abraham’s servant asks a young woman to offer him water, and later waters his camels at the well (Genesis 24:14-17). It also covers the irrigation of land, as seen in the description of Eden’s rivers or the psalmist’s image of God watering the earth’s furrows (Psalm 65:9; Genesis 2:6).
Beyond physical hydration, shaqah carries significant emotional and theological weight. Translators often render it as "drown" in negative contexts, such as Habakkuk’s warning against making neighbors drunk to watch their shame (Habakkuk 2:15). In a striking metaphorical turn, the Pual stem describes the marrow of bones being watered, symbolizing vitality and health. Job uses this image to describe how prosperity restores a person’s inner strength, linking physical nourishment directly to spiritual and bodily vigor (Job 21:24).
The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the gap between basic survival needs and divine blessing. Whether describing a cup-bearer serving wine or God providing rain, shaqah underscores dependence on a source of life. The noun derived from this root, shoteh, refers to a cup-bearer, highlighting the social role associated with managing these essential resources (Genesis 40:1). This lexical range shows how ancient Hebrew speakers viewed drinking water not just as a biological necessity but as a fundamental act of care and sustenance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Water is the most basic necessity for life, yet in Scripture, it often points to something deeper than physical thirst. The Hebrew word shaqah captures this dual reality. It describes the simple act of giving a drink to a weary traveler or watering thirsty livestock, but it also frames God’s provision for His people. When we read that God "watered" the garden or opened eyes to see a well, we are reminded that every breath and every drop comes from His hand.
This word invites us to trust in the Source of living water. Just as camels needed rest and drink after a long journey, our souls need renewal. The text shows God providing for Abraham’s servant at the well and Moses helping the daughters of Midian. These moments highlight that care for others is a tangible expression of faith. We are called to be channels of this same grace, offering kindness and sustenance to those around us.
In times of dryness or uncertainty, shaqah reminds us that God does not leave us parched. Whether through the rain on the fields or the comfort of a friend, He satisfies our deepest needs. This promise encourages us to rest in His provision, knowing that He is faithful to sustain us day by day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ water3×
- and/ he watered3×
- will he give to drink/ me2×
- give to drink/ me2×
- and/ they made drink2×
- and/ she gave a drink/ him2×
- I will give a drink to2×
- you have given to drink1×
- water1×
- to/ give drink to1×
- to/ give a drink/ him1×
- they give drink to1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הַשְׁק֖וֹת3×
- וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ3×
- יַשְׁקֵ֣/נִי2×
- וְ/הִשְׁקִיתָ֥2×
- אַשְׁקֶ֑ה2×
- תַּשְׁקֶ֑ה1×
- נַשְׁקֶ֨/נּוּ1×
- נַשְׁקֶ֧ה1×
- מַשְׁקֶ֣ה1×
- מַשְׁקֵ֣ה1×
- לְ/הַשְׁקֹת֑/וֹ1×
- לְ/הַשְׁק֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 2:6
but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground.
This verse establishes the word’s foundational role in creation, showing God actively sustaining the earth before human life existed.
-
Genesis 24:18
She said, “Drink, my lord.” She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him a drink.
Rebekah’s offer to water both the servant and his camels demonstrates the hospitality that leads to the fulfillment of God's promise for Isaac.
-
Genesis 29:10
When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
Jacob watering Laban’s flock is a pivotal moment of service that opens the door to his family, showing how acts of care shape destiny.
-
Exodus 2:17
The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
Moses intervening to water the flock reveals his heart for justice and protection, traits that would later define his leadership of Israel.
-
Numbers 5:24
He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter.
Here the word takes a solemn turn, describing the ritual water of jealousy that serves as a divine test of fidelity in marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shaqah mean?
How is shaqah different from maim?
Why does this word appear in the story of the bitter water?
Every Occurrence (51 verses across 19 books)
Genesis 18 verses
but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground.
Genesis 2:10A river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it was parted, and became the source of four rivers.
Genesis 19:32Come, let’s make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve our father’s family line.”
Genesis 19:33They made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father. He didn’t know when…
Genesis 19:34It came to pass on the next day, that the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father.…
Genesis 19:35They made their father drink wine that night also. The younger went and lay with him. He didn’t know when she lay down,…
Genesis 21:19God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the container with water, and gave the boy a drink.
Genesis 24:14Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says,…
Genesis 24:18She said, “Drink, my lord.” She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him a drink.
Genesis 24:19When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will also draw for your camels, until they have finished…
Genesis 24:43behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes out to draw, to whom I will…
Genesis 24:45Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to…
Genesis 24:46She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.’ So…
Genesis 29:2He looked, and saw a well in the field, and saw three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they…
Genesis 29:3There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the…
Genesis 29:7He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go…
Genesis 29:8They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then…
Genesis 29:10When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob…