שֶׁ֫קֶץ (she.qets)
she.qets
detestation
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sheqets refers to something that is deeply detestable or abhorrent, often carrying a strong sense of physical repulsion. In the Old Testament, it appears ten times, primarily in Leviticus and Isaiah, where it describes creatures deemed unclean for consumption or objects associated with idolatry. The word conveys more than simple dislike; it signals a profound rejection of what is ritually impure or morally offensive to God.
A key distinction lies in its application to physical substances and spiritual realities alike. While often translated as "abomination," the term frequently targets specific animals, such as pigs or certain insects, marking them as unfit for Israelite diet (Leviticus 11:10-11). This usage establishes a boundary between clean and unclean, reinforcing communal holiness through tangible practices.
The word’s root suggests a sharp, immediate reaction of disgust. Translators sometimes render it "detestation" to capture this visceral quality, distinguishing it from broader terms for sin or lawlessness. By focusing on what is repulsive rather than merely illegal, sheqets highlights the emotional and sensory dimensions of obedience, urging adherence not just through rule-following but through a cultivated sense of reverence for purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sheqets describes something that provokes a deep sense of revulsion, not just as a legal violation but as a visceral rejection of what is impure. In the Old Testament, this term often marks creatures like pigs or certain insects as unfit for consumption, establishing clear boundaries between clean and unclean. This distinction was not merely about hygiene; it taught Israel to cultivate a profound reverence for purity and holiness in their daily lives.
For believers today, this concept invites us to consider what we allow into our hearts and minds. Just as ancient Israelites were called to detest physical impurities, Christians are encouraged to reject attitudes and actions that distance them from God’s presence. This isn’t about rigid rule-following but about nurturing a heart that naturally recoils from what harms spiritual well-being.
When we encounter situations that challenge our faith or integrity, sheqets reminds us of the importance of discernment. By focusing on what is truly detestable to God, we can better align our lives with His will. This awareness helps us grow in holiness, fostering a deeper connection with Him and others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] a detestable thing4×
- [are] detestable thing[s]2×
- detestable thing1×
- and/ the/ detestable thing1×
- and/ detestable thing[s]1×
- [are] a detestable thing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֥קֶץ6×
- שֶׁ֣קֶץ2×
- וְ/שֶׁ֖קֶץ1×
- וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶץ1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 11:11
and you shall detest them. You shall not eat of their meat, and you shall detest their carcasses.
This verse explicitly commands detestation of unclean creatures, emphasizing the emotional and sensory response required rather than mere avoidance.
-
Leviticus 11:10
All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you,
It identifies marine life without fins and scales as an abomination, highlighting how physical characteristics determine ritual purity.
-
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, following one in the middle, eating pig’s meat, abominable things, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together,” says Yahweh.
Here, the term extends beyond dietary laws to condemn idolatrous practices, showing its application to spiritual unfaithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sheqets mean in the Bible?
How is sheqets different from other words for sin?
Where does sheqets appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)
Leviticus 9 verses
When anyone touches any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination, and…
Leviticus 11:10All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures…
Leviticus 11:11and you shall detest them. You shall not eat of their meat, and you shall detest their carcasses.
Leviticus 11:12Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is an abomination to you.
Leviticus 11:13“‘You shall detest these among the birds; they shall not be eaten because they are an abomination: the eagle, the…
Leviticus 11:20“‘All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you.
Leviticus 11:23But all winged creeping things which have four feet are an abomination to you.
Leviticus 11:41“‘Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth is an abomination. It shall not be eaten.
Leviticus 11:42Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, even all creeping things that…