from סָכַךְ; properly, a thicket of men, i.e. a crowd; multitude.
Transliteration:çâk
Pronunciation:sawk
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term סָךְ (çâk), `{{H5519}}`, derives from the root סָכַךְ (sakak, `{{H5526}}`), which fundamentally signifies "to entwine," "to interweave," "to cover," or "to screen." From this root, `{{H5519}}` properly denotes a "thicket" or a "dense, interwoven mass." When applied to human beings, it describes a "thicket of men," thereby conveying the sense of a "crowd" or "multitude." The core idea is one of density, numerousness, and perhaps a certain impenetrable quality, much like a dense thicket of trees. The semantic range thus extends from a literal physical density to a metaphorical abundance or overwhelming quantity, often implying a collective entity rather than discrete individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סָךְ (çâk), `{{H5519}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 77:17]]. The verse reads: "The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth a sound [or 'roar', from `{{H5519}}`]; your arrows flashed back and forth." In this context, `{{H5519}}` is not applied to a multitude of people, but rather to the overwhelming sound emanating from the skies, often translated as "thunder" or "roar." The phrase "skies gave forth a sound/roar" (קֹל נָתְנוּ שְׁחָקִים, *qol natnu sh'chaqim*) uses `{{H5519}}` to describe the *intensity* or *multitude* of the sound, likening it to a dense, overwhelming "thicket" of noise. This unique application extends the word's semantic range from a physical crowd to an abstract, powerful sensory experience. It describes the sheer volume and density of the divine thunder, contributing to the depiction of a majestic and awe-inspiring theophany, where God's power is manifested through the elements. The singular occurrence, particularly in a poetic and descriptive passage, highlights its specialized use in conveying an overwhelming sensory impact.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb סָכַךְ (sakak, `{{H5526}}`), meaning "to entwine," "to cover," or "to screen." This etymological connection underscores the concept of density and close proximity inherent in `{{H5519}}`.
Other Hebrew words that convey the idea of a "multitude" or "crowd" include:
* רַב (rav, `{{H7227}}`): A common adjective meaning "much," "many," or "great," often referring to a large quantity or number.
* הָמוֹן (hamon, `{{H1995}}`): Frequently translated as "multitude," "crowd," or "throng," often carrying connotations of noise, tumult, or a bustling mass. While `{{H1995}}` can imply noise, its primary denotation is the crowd itself, whereas `{{H5519}}` in [[Psalm 77:17]] specifically describes the *quality* of the sound as multitudinous or dense.
* עָם (am, `{{H5971}}`): Refers to a "people" or "nation," which can collectively be a multitude.
In the context of sound, `{{H5519}}` in [[Psalm 77:17]] stands alongside words like קוֹל (qol, `{{H6963}}`), "voice" or "sound," and רַעַם (ra'am, `{{H7482}}`), "thunder." The unique contribution of `{{H5519}}` is to describe the *density* or *overwhelming nature* of the sound, distinguishing it from a mere sound or noise by emphasizing its immense volume and pervasive quality, much like a thicket fills a space.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of סָךְ (çâk), `{{H5519}}`, in [[Psalm 77:17]] carries profound theological significance. It contributes to the biblical portrayal of God's majestic power and sovereignty over creation. In the context of a divine storm, often a metaphor for God's judgment or revelation, the "multitude of sound" or "dense roar" of the skies serves to emphasize the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of God's presence. It evokes a sense of incomprehensible power, where the very heavens resound with His might. This aligns with other biblical passages that describe God's voice as thunder ([[Job 37:4]], [[Psalm 29:3-9]]), signifying His authority and the uncontainable force of His divine utterance. The word `{{H5519}}` thus highlights the sensory impact of divine manifestation, underscoring the grandeur and ineffability of the Almighty, before whom all creation trembles. It transforms a simple meteorological event into a powerful testament to God's active involvement and control.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סָךְ (çâk), `{{H5519}}`, rooted in the concept of a "thicket" or "dense mass," primarily denotes a "crowd" or "multitude." Its single occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 77:17]], presents a unique and insightful application: it describes the overwhelming, dense "sound" or "roar" of the skies, likely thunder. This usage extends its semantic range to convey the *intensity* and *multitudinous quality* of an abstract sensory experience. Theologically, `{{H5519}}` contributes to a powerful depiction of God's majestic sovereignty, emphasizing the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of His presence as manifested through the elements. It underscores the divine grandeur and the profound impact of God's power upon creation.
TRV