סֹךְ

# H5520 (sokh): A Hidden Animal Refuge The Hebrew word *sokh* denotes a lair—specifically a sheltered place where animals hide or rest. Based on its four biblical occurrences, this term describes the physical spaces that wild creatures inhabit, emphasizing concealment and refuge rather than merely a dwelling place. The word carries a sense of seclusion and protection from exposure, marking locations where animals seek shelter from danger or elements. With only four instances in the biblical text, *sokh* remains a relatively uncommon term, suggesting it was used in specific contexts rather than as a general or everyday vocabulary item. This limited frequency indicates the word was reserved for particular literary or descriptive purposes—likely when biblical writers needed to evoke the image of an animal's hidden sanctuary. The rarity of the term makes each occurrence potentially significant for understanding the passage's emphasis on wilderness, danger, or divine provision. The significance of *sokh* lies in its role depicting the natural world as distinct from human civilization. By naming the sheltered places where wild animals retreat, biblical texts using this word acknowledge the separate realm of untamed nature and the creatures' legitimate claim to their own spaces of safety and concealment. This vocabulary choice reflects an ancient perspective that recognized animals as purposeful inhabitants of their environments.