שְׁתִיָּה (she.tiy.yah)
she.tiy.yah
drinking
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shtiyah refers to the act of drinking, specifically focusing on the manner, mode, or quantity involved in consuming liquid. In the Hebrew Bible, it is a rare term that appears only once, anchoring its meaning firmly within the narrative context of royal protocol.
This single occurrence is found in Esther 1:8, where the king’s drinking customs are described. The text highlights that the beverage was served according to the law, with no compulsion placed on guests to drink a specific amount. This usage distinguishes the physical act from the social dynamics of the banquet, emphasizing freedom of choice rather than obligation.
The word derives from the root shathah, meaning to drink. By using shtiyah, the text shifts focus from the simple verb of consumption to the structured practice itself. It serves as a lexical marker for the regulated environment of the Persian court, where even leisure activities were governed by established rules.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shtiyah appears only once in Scripture, found in Esther 1:8. It describes the act of drinking during a royal banquet, but with a specific nuance: it was not forced upon guests. The text notes that drinks were served according to the law, allowing each person to choose their own amount. This rare term highlights a moment of personal freedom within a rigid court structure.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God often works through ordinary human choices. Even in a foreign land governed by strict protocols, there was room for individual preference. You do not need to perform or conform to external pressures to be valued. Your daily decisions, no matter how small, are seen and respected by the One who holds history in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ drinking1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/שְּׁתִיָּ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 1:8
In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had instructed all the officials of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
This is the only occurrence of shtiyah, where it emphasizes that guests were not compelled to drink a set amount but could follow their own pleasure.