שָׁתַק (sha.taq)
sha.taq
be quiet
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shaṯaq means to become still or fall silent. It describes a cessation of speech or noise, often in response to a specific situation rather than as a permanent state. With only four occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, it is a rare word that carries significant weight in its limited context.
In Jonah 2:1, the prophet uses it to describe his silence inside the fish, marking a moment of intense introspection before prayer. In Psalms and Proverbs, it typically appears in wisdom contexts where restraint is valued over rash speech. The sources note this is a late Hebrew term, suggesting it may reflect evolving linguistic patterns in later biblical periods.
Unlike words that imply forced silence or punishment, shaṯaq often suggests a natural settling down. It captures the quiet that follows turmoil, allowing for reflection or listening. This nuance distinguishes it from terms that simply mean "not speaking" due to inability or prohibition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shaṯaq describes a natural settling down, a quieting that follows turmoil. It is not merely the absence of noise but a deep stillness that allows for reflection. In Jonah’s story, this silence inside the fish marked a turning point from panic to prayer. It reminds us that peace often arrives when we stop striving and simply rest in God’s presence.
Wisdom literature also highlights this concept. Proverbs suggests that just as fire dies without wood, quarrels cease when gossip stops. This quieting is not forced but chosen, a deliberate release of tension. When life feels stormy, shaṯaq invites us to seek the calm within, trusting that God can bring peace even in the midst of chaos.
This rare word teaches us the value of restraint and stillness. It encourages us to pause before speaking, allowing wisdom to guide our words. In a world full of noise, finding this inner quiet is a gift that helps us listen better and love more deeply.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- so/ it may be calm2×
- they were quiet1×
- it becomes quiet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק2×
- יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק1×
- יִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Jonah 1:11
Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?” For the sea grew more and more stormy.
This verse uses shaṯaq to describe the sea calming, showing how human action can lead to divine peace.
-
Jonah 1:12
He said to them, “Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you.”
Here Jonah predicts the sea will be calm if he is thrown in, linking his surrender to the restoration of order.
-
Psalms 107:30
Then they are glad because it is calm, so he brings them to their desired haven.
The psalmist celebrates the calm after the storm, illustrating how God brings believers to their desired haven through stillness.