שָׁמַט
sha.mat
to release
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# H8058 שָׁמַט (shamat): Release and Remission The Hebrew verb *shamat* means "to release" and appears nine times in the biblical text. This term describes the act of letting go or relinquishing control over something previously held or owed. The word functions as a straightforward action verb denoting the cessation of a claim or obligation. Given its limited occurrences in the biblical record, *shamat* represents a specialized vocabulary item rather than a common expression. Its inclusion in the lexicon suggests the concept it conveys—formal or legal release—held enough significance in ancient Hebrew discourse to warrant a dedicated term, distinguishing it from more general verbs of removal or dismissal. Without access to specific usage contexts from the provided data, the precise legal or social scenarios where *shamat* appears cannot be determined from this entry alone. However, the semantic field of "release" typically encompasses contexts involving debt forgiveness, the freeing of obligations, or the relinquishment of claims—concepts fundamental to ancient Near Eastern legal and covenant traditions.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock. They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.
Jeremiah 17:4You, even of yourself, will discontinue from your heritage that I gave you. I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don’t know, for you have kindled a fire in my anger which will burn forever.”
Exodus 23:11but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the animal of the field shall eat. In the same way, you shall deal with your vineyard and with your olive grove.
Deuteronomy 15:2This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.
Deuteronomy 15:3Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.
2 Samuel 6:6When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for God’s ark, and took hold of it; for the cattle stumbled.
2 Kings 9:33He said, “Throw her down!” So they threw her down; and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses. Then he trampled her under foot.
2 Kings 9:33He said, “Throw her down!” So they threw her down; and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses. Then he trampled her under foot.
1 Chronicles 13:9When they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.