שָׁקַט (sha.qat)
sha.qat
to quiet
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaqat describes a state of being quiet, undisturbed, or at peace. It applies to people who are free from harassment and to lands that enjoy stability. In Judges 3:11, the land rests for eighty years because the judge Othniel brings this tranquility. The word captures both the absence of external conflict and an internal sense of calm.
Its usage extends beyond physical safety to include inactivity or divine restraint. Psalm 83:1 asks God not to remain quiet while enemies rise, implying a pause in his protective action. Conversely, Proverbs 15:18 notes that a gentle answer quiets anger, showing how shaqat describes the calming of emotional turbulence.
The root likely relates to lying down or coming to rest. Translators often render it as "rest" or "quietness," but the term carries a heavier weight than mere silence. It signifies a settled condition where danger has passed and order is restored, a theme prominent in Isaiah and Jeremiah when describing God’s future peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaqat describes a deep, settled peace that goes beyond the mere absence of noise or conflict. It speaks to a state where danger has passed, order is restored, and the heart finds true rest. In the Old Testament, this term often marks the end of turmoil, whether in the land enjoying stability after war or an individual finding relief from distress.
For your faith life, shaqat reminds us that God is the source of this tranquility. He quiets the storms around us and calms the turbulence within our hearts. When we face anxiety or external pressures, we can look to passages like Isaiah 30:15, which promises that strength comes from quietness and confidence in Him. This peace is not just a feeling but a divine gift of safety and stability.
As you navigate your daily challenges, remember that this quiet rest is available through trust in God. It invites us to step back from the chaos of life and find our security in His presence. May you experience this profound sense of calm, knowing that He holds all things together and grants peace to those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it was at peace5×
- it was at peace4×
- to be quiet2×
- at peace2×
- and/ he will be undisturbed2×
- I will remain quiet2×
- you will be inactive1×
- will you be inactive1×
- when/ is still1×
- to/ give quiet1×
- it is at peace1×
- in/ being quiet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/תִּשְׁקֹ֥ט4×
- שָׁקְטָ֖ה3×
- שָׁקָ֑טָה2×
- וְ/שָׁקַ֥ט2×
- תִּשְׁקֹ֔טִי1×
- תִשְׁקֹ֑טִי1×
- שֹׁקֵ֣ט\׀1×
- שֹׁקֵ֣ט1×
- שָׁקַ֥טְתִּי1×
- לְ/הַשְׁקִ֣יט1×
- יַשְׁקִ֨ט\׀1×
- יַשְׁקִ֥יט1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:11
The land had rest forty years, then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
This verse uses shaqat to describe the forty-year period of stability and safety the land enjoyed under Othniel's leadership, highlighting the word's connection to political and physical tranquility.
-
Isaiah 30:15
For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence.” You refused,
Here the term is paired with confidence to show that true salvation and strength are found in returning to God and resting in His quiet presence rather than relying on human power.
-
Job 3:26
I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither do I have rest; but trouble comes.”
Job uses this word negatively to express his inner turmoil, showing that shaqat also defines the deep emotional calm that he currently lacks despite his desire for it.