Hebrew · Strong's H7896
שִׁית
(sheet)
verb
To place or put, often with the nuance of establishing, ordaining, or assigning a particular position or purpose.
The Hebrew verb שִׁית (shit) primarily conveys the action of placing, setting, or putting something. Its semantic range is notably wide, encompassing both concrete and abstract applications. This breadth allows for a variety of nuances depending on the context, from physically laying an object to metaphorically establishing a condition or relationship. It can describe the act of arranging things, assigning roles, or even creating a state of affairs. The core idea is that of intentional positioning or disposition.
In theological contexts, שִׁית often highlights divine agency, showing God as the active one who sets, appoints, or ordains. For instance, God "sets" iniquities before Himself, indicating His awareness and judgment. He can also "appoint" salvation or "put" fear into nations, demonstrating His sovereign control over events and human experience. This usage underscores God's role in creation, providence, and judgment, emphasizing His deliberate and purposeful ordering of the world and the lives within it.
Beyond divine action, שִׁית is also used to describe human actions of placing or considering. A person might "lay up" deceit, indicating internal thought and intention, or "regard" something, signifying paying attention or giving consideration. This shows that while often associated with God's power, the verb can also describe the conscious actions and attitudes of individuals. The specific English rendering in translations often depends heavily on the immediate context, with KJV offering a diverse set of options to capture these varied nuances.
Common English renderings
- set
- put
- make
- appoint
- lay
- regard
Key verses
"Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, Our secret sins in the light of thy countenance."
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"In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will he appoint for walls and bulwarks."
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"Put them in fear, O Jehovah: Let the nations know themselves to be but men. [Selah"
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"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about."
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"And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but now hold thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; take not this thing to heart. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house."
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"And he made darkness pavilions round about him, Gathering of waters, thick clouds of the skies."
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