שָׁפַת
sha.phat
to set
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Analysis of שָׁפַת (shaphat) The Hebrew word *shaphat* (H8239) carries the fundamental meaning "to set" or "to place." With only five occurrences in the biblical text, this verb appears to be relatively uncommon in Hebrew scripture. The rarity of its usage suggests it may represent a specialized or technical term rather than an everyday vocabulary item. The semantic field of "to set" encompasses the action of positioning something in a particular location or state. This could apply to various contexts—establishing, arranging, or placing objects or concepts—though without access to the specific passages where the word appears, we cannot determine whether it primarily applies to physical objects, abstract notions, or both. The limited attestation (five instances) makes it difficult to establish a clear developmental pattern of meaning or to identify nuanced variations in how different biblical authors employed this term. For a complete understanding of *shaphat's* full semantic range and specific applications in biblical narrative and law, examination of its individual contexts would be necessary.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death.
Isaiah 26:12Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also done all our work for us.
Ezekiel 24:3Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says, “Put the cauldron on the fire. Put it on, and also pour water into it.
Ezekiel 24:3Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says, “Put the cauldron on the fire. Put it on, and also pour water into it.
2 Kings 4:38Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a famine in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Get the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.”