שָׁקַף (sha.qaph)
sha.qaph
to look
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaqaph describes the physical act of looking down from a height or leaning over to see what is below. It appears nineteen times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis and Numbers. The word captures a specific vantage point: an observer positioned above, gazing downward at a scene or person.
In its Hiphil form, which indicates active causation or emphasis, the meaning shifts slightly to "look down upon." This usage often implies a position of authority or superiority, as when God looks down from heaven to observe human actions. The Niphal form suggests leaning over, perhaps to get a better view, emphasizing the physical posture involved in the act of seeing.
Translators typically render shaqaph as "look," "behold," or "look down upon" depending on context. Its rarity compared to other Hebrew words for seeing highlights its specific focus on vertical perspective. This spatial dimension adds a layer of meaning, often associating the viewer with power, oversight, or divine observation from above.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb shaqaph captures a very specific kind of looking. It is not a casual glance but a gaze from a height, leaning over to see what lies below. This physical posture carries weight. When we read that God looked down from heaven, it reminds us that He sees the full scope of our lives with clarity and authority. His perspective is never limited by our confusion or hidden struggles.
In human contexts, this word often marks a moment of revelation or judgment. Think of Abraham looking toward Sodom or Michal watching David dance. These moments show how position changes what we see. Sometimes we observe from afar; other times, we are the ones being observed. This word invites us to consider who holds the vantage point in our own lives.
For your faith, this offers a quiet comfort. You may feel small or overlooked, but shaqaph reminds you that the One who looks down from heaven is attentive. He sees with purpose. Whether you are watching events unfold or feeling watched by divine grace, there is stability in knowing that God’s gaze is intentional and caring.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he looked down4×
- she looked down3×
- which/ looks down2×
- and/ they looked down2×
- look down/ !1×
- it has looked down1×
- he will look down1×
- he looks down1×
- and/ she looked down1×
- and/ it looked down1×
- [is] the/ [one who] looks down1×
- I looked down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִשְׁקְפָ֣ה\׀2×
- וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֗ף2×
- נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי\׃1×
- נִשְׁקְפָ֧ה1×
- נִשְׁקְפָ֥ה1×
- יַשְׁקִ֣יף1×
- וַ/תַּשְׁקֵ֖ף1×
- וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֤ף1×
- וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֣ף1×
- וַ/יַּשְׁקִ֣יפוּ1×
- וַ/יַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ1×
- וְ/נִשְׁקָ֖פָה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 14:2
Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.
This verse highlights the Hiphil form where God actively looks down from heaven to inspect human hearts, emphasizing His sovereign oversight of humanity.
-
Genesis 18:16
The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.
Here Abraham looks toward Sodom, establishing a human perspective of observation that parallels the divine scrutiny that follows in the narrative.
-
II Samuel 6:16
As Yahweh’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before Yahweh; and she despised him in her heart.
Michal’s look from the window reveals how physical position influences spiritual perception, as she observes David with disdain rather than reverence.
-
Exodus 14:24
In the morning watch, Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army.
Yahweh looks out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire, showing that divine observation can bring confusion to enemies and deliverance to His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shaqaph mean in the Bible?
How is shaqaph different from other Hebrew words for seeing?
Why does God looking down matter in Psalms?
Where else does this word appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.
Genesis 19:28He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and saw that the smoke of the land went up…
Genesis 26:8When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold,…