Hebrew · Strong's H7925
שָׁכַם
(shaw-KAM)
verb
To rise early, indicating promptness and diligence in undertaking an action or journey.
The Hebrew verb שָׁכַם (shakam) denotes the act of rising early in the morning. This action often conveys a sense of readiness, earnestness, or urgency regarding whatever follows. While literally meaning to load up, perhaps suggesting the preparation for a new day, its primary biblical usage focuses on the commencement of activity at dawn. It is frequently paired with a subsequent verb, illustrating the purpose for the early rising. This term is not typically used to convey a deep theological concept in isolation, but rather serves to highlight commitment or divine initiative within a narrative or prophetic context. The consistent use of "rising early" in various contexts underscores its role in demonstrating diligence, whether by human agents or, metaphorically, by God Himself through the prophets. Its semantic range is specific to the time of day an action begins, adding a temporal nuance rather than a broad conceptual meaning.
Common English renderings
- arise early
- rise up early
- get up early
- morning
Key verses
"And now, because ye have done all these works, saith Jehovah, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not:"
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"And Jehovah hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear),"
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"I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me."
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"And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: and though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction."
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"And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place."
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"And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of Jehovah; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands lay cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him."
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