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שָׁתַת (sha.tat)

sha.tat

to appoint

H8371 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb shatat means to set or appoint something in a fixed position. It appears only once in the Bible, in Psalm 2:6, where God declares that He has installed His king on Zion, His holy hill. This single usage carries significant weight, describing a deliberate act of establishment rather than a casual placement.

As a poetic term found primarily in the Psalms, it conveys stability and authority. The word suggests that the appointment is secure and intentional, rooted in divine sovereignty. Translators typically render it as "set" or "appointed," emphasizing the firmness of the decision made by God to place His chosen ruler in power.

Its rarity makes this occurrence stand out. By using shatat here, the psalmist highlights the unshakeable nature of God’s choice. The verb does not imply uncertainty; instead, it affirms that the king’s position is fixed by a higher authority, providing a foundation for trust in God’s plan.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word shatat appears just once in Scripture, marking a moment of decisive divine action. In Psalm 2:6, God declares that He has set His king upon Zion. This is not a casual placement but a firm establishment. The term conveys stability and authority, showing that God’s choices are secure and intentional.

For your faith, this offers profound comfort. When you face uncertainty in life, remember that God appoints with purpose. His plans are not fleeting or fragile. They are fixed by His sovereign will. You can trust that what He establishes remains unshakable, even when circumstances shift around you.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • they set1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • שַׁתּ֣וּ1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does shatat mean?

Shatat is a Hebrew verb meaning to appoint or set in a fixed position. It appears only once in the Old Testament, emphasizing a deliberate and secure act of establishment by God.

Where does this word appear?

It occurs exclusively in Psalm 2:6. Here, it describes God installing His chosen king on Zion, highlighting the firmness of His decision.

Why is this word significant?

Its rarity makes its single usage stand out. It underscores that God’s appointments are not casual but rooted in divine sovereignty, providing a foundation for trust in His unshakeable plans.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)