שָׁקַק (sha.qaq)
sha.qaq
to rush
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaqaq describes a sudden, eager movement, often translated as "to rush" or "to run." It captures more than simple locomotion; it implies an urgent drive, whether toward a goal or in restless agitation. The sources indicate it can describe physical haste, such as chariots speeding back and forth, or an internal state of intense longing and greed.
This word appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, with notable occurrences in Isaiah, Psalms, and Proverbs. In these texts, the action is vivid and dynamic. For instance, it depicts the chaotic rush of military chariots (Isaiah 5:28) or the restless searching of those who seek something with desperate intensity. The Hithpalpel stem emphasizes this back-and-forth motion, suggesting a lack of calm direction.
Unlike verbs that denote steady walking or deliberate pacing, shaqaq conveys energy and impulse. It is used for both physical rushing and metaphorical eagerness, such as thirst or greed. This dual usage highlights how biblical Hebrew often links physical speed with spiritual or emotional desire, portraying the person who rushes as someone driven by a powerful, immediate need.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb shaqaq paints a picture of urgent, restless movement. It describes a rush that lacks calm direction, often driven by intense need or agitation. In the Bible, this energy appears in chaotic military scenes and in the deep, unfulfilled longing of the human heart.
When we feel like we are rushing without purpose, it can be helpful to remember that God sees our deepest needs. He does not ask us to find satisfaction in fleeting things or frantic efforts. Instead, He offers a peace that steadies our souls when our desires run wild.
This word reminds us that true rest comes from being filled by God alone. When our hearts are restless, we can turn to Him for the sustenance that truly satisfies, rather than chasing after temporary relief.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they rush1×
- rushing1×
- longing1×
- [someone will be] rushing1×
- [is] longing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שׁוֹקֵקָ֑ה1×
- שׁוֹקֵ֥ק1×
- שׁוֹקֵ֑ק1×
- שֹׁקֵקָ֑ה1×
- יָשֹׁ֗קּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 107:9
For he satisfies the longing soul. He fills the hungry soul with good.
This verse contrasts human restlessness with God's ability to satisfy the very soul that rushes in its desires.
-
Isaiah 29:8
It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn’t satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that.
The imagery of a thirsty man who awakes still faint captures the futility of seeking lasting satisfaction in dreams rather than reality.
-
Joel 2:9
They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.
Here the word describes the chaotic, urgent advance of an army, showing how this rush can be driven by destructive intent.