Hebrew · Strong's H8252
שָׁקַט
(shah-KAT)
verb
To be quiet, undisturbed, or at peace, most often in a figurative sense, describing a state of rest or cessation from distress.
The Hebrew verb *shaqat* primarily conveys the idea of quietness, rest, or ceasing from activity or trouble. Its semantic range extends to encompass both the absence of noise or commotion and a deeper sense of security, peace, and freedom from enemies or oppression. While it can simply describe stillness, its more significant uses often relate to the experience of a nation or individual enjoying a period of tranquility after conflict, or conversely, longing for such a state.
In many contexts, *shaqat* is used to describe a land that has obtained rest from war, indicating a period of peace and security. This often points to divine intervention, where God grants peace to his people after their struggles. The concept of "rest" is a significant theological theme in the Old Testament, often connected with God’s covenant promises and the ideal state of both the land and its inhabitants under His blessing. The verb can also express a personal sense of being undisturbed or settled, as seen in Job's lament (Job 3:26), where the lack of *shaqat* highlights his profound suffering.
The Septuagint (LXX) frequently translates *shaqat* with Greek terms such as *hesychazō* (to be quiet, to rest) or *anapauō* (to give rest, to refresh), underscoring the consistent understanding of this Hebrew term across translational traditions. The idea of divine provision of peace and security is central to its usage, making *shaqat* a vivid expression of the longed-for cessation of strife and the experience of well-being granted by God.
Common English renderings
- quiet
- rest
- still
- peaceable
- appease
- settle
Key verses
"So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years."
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"So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that Jehovah spake unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land had rest from war."
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"So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest round about."
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"The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing."
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"That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit be digged for the wicked."
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"I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; But trouble cometh."
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