שֹׁ֫קֶת (sho.qet)
sho.qet
trough
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shoqet refers specifically to a watering trough, a vessel used to provide water for livestock. In the biblical text, it appears only twice, both within the narrative of Genesis, grounding its meaning in the daily realities of pastoral life.
Its occurrences highlight the careful management of resources in ancient nomadic culture. The word describes the stone basin where Abraham’s servant waters the camels (Genesis 24:14-20) and later where Jacob moves the heavy stone from the well’s mouth (Genesis 29:10). These scenes use the trough not just as a piece of furniture, but as a focal point for hospitality, covenant, and divine providence.
Unlike generic terms for water or wells, shoqet emphasizes the prepared container that makes drinking possible. It points to the practical, physical care required to sustain life in arid environments, serving as a quiet but essential detail in some of Scripture’s most pivotal moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shoqet describes a simple stone trough, a vessel designed to hold water for thirsty animals. In the ancient Near East, providing fresh water was an act of profound care and hospitality. When Rebekah drew water for Abraham’s camels, she did not just fill her own jar; she emptied it into the trough, ensuring every animal could drink its fill. This small detail reveals a heart ready to serve beyond what was expected.
Similarly, when Jacob moved the stone from the well, he encountered the same trough that would soon hold water for his own flock. These moments show how God often uses ordinary, practical things to orchestrate significant events. The trough stands as a quiet witness to divine providence, reminding us that God cares about the physical needs of His creation and works through everyday acts of kindness.
For your faith, this word invites you to see value in humble service. Just as the trough made life possible for the camels, your small, faithful actions can sustain others in their daily struggles. God notices these quiet moments of provision and uses them to build His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ watering channel1×
- in/ [the] watering channels of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שֹּׁ֔קֶת1×
- בְּ/שִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:20
She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
This verse highlights Rebekah’s generous hospitality as she empties her pitcher into the trough, demonstrating readiness to serve beyond her initial task.
-
Genesis 30:38
He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink.
Here the trough becomes a setting for divine blessing, where Jacob’s peeled rods influence the flocks’ conception, showing God’s hand in ordinary agricultural practices.