שָׁקָה

The Hebrew verb שָׁקָה (shaqah) carries the primary sense of providing liquid, most often water, to an individual, animal, or even land. It denotes the act of "giving to drink" or "watering." This term highlights a fundamental human need and the act of providing sustenance. It can range from simply offering a drink of water to a thirsty person to the broader concept of irrigating agricultural land.

The semantic range of שָׁקָה extends beyond mere physical hydration. In some contexts, it can describe a negative action, such as causing someone to drink something unpleasant or even poisonous, as seen in prophetic warnings of divine judgment. This demonstrates a wider application of the verb to any instance of administering a liquid, whether beneficial or harmful. The imagery often relates to provision and consequence.

Biblical usage frequently depicts God as the one who waters the earth, sustaining creation, and conversely, as the one who gives a "cup of wrath" or "water of gall" as a judgment. This reflects the sovereignty of God over life and death, blessing and curse. Human actions of giving drink are often acts of hospitality and compassion, as seen in the narratives where travelers are offered water. The term underscores the vital role of water in the arid biblical world and the moral implications of its provision or withholding. It also appears in contexts of military conquest and the suffering endured by a people, where the administration of a bitter drink symbolizes their distress.