סָכַךְ

çâkak /saw-kak'/ Ask about this word
Meaningor שָׂכַךְ; (Exodus 33:22), a primitive root; properly, to entwine as ascreen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
KJV usagecover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word çâkak, represented by H5526, is a primitive root used to mean entwine as a screen, fence in, cover over, or protect. It appears 24 times across 23 unique verses. Its definition extends to concepts of being a defence, to defend, hedge in, join together, set, or shut up, conveying a range of meanings from physical screening to the abstract idea of divine protection.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H5526 is used in several key contexts. It signifies divine protection, as when God promises to cover Moses with His hand in a clift of the rock Exodus 33:22 or when the psalmist declares that God has covered his head in the day of battle Psalms 140:7. The word is also central to the description of sacred objects, where the cherubim are instructed to cover the mercy seat with their wings Exodus 25:20. Figuratively, it can describe divine constraint, as when Job feels God has hedged in his way Job 3:23, or sovereign action, as when God promises to set Egyptians against each other Isaiah 19:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide deeper context for the act of covering and protection:

  • H3742 kᵉrûwb (cherub): This term for an imaginary figure is frequently linked with çâkak. The cherubims are instructed to stretch out their wings, covering the mercy seat Exodus 25:20. In Ezekiel, a cherub is described as the one "that covereth" Ezekiel 28:14.
  • H3671 kânâph (wing): This word is instrumental in the act of covering. God's protection is expressed as trusting under his wings Psalms 91:4, and the cherubim use their wings to cover the ark of the covenant 1 Kings 8:7.
  • H6532 pôreketh (vail): This term for a sacred screen is used in parallel with çâkak. The vail was used to cover the ark of the testimony Exodus 40:3, separating the holy place.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5526 is significant, illustrating God's relationship with humanity in both mercy and judgment.

  • Sanctuary and Holiness: In the tabernacle, the act of covering the mercy seat signifies the profound holiness of God's presence and the need for a sacred separation (Exodus 25:20, Exodus 40:3).
  • Divine Refuge: The word is a powerful metaphor for God as a defender. He is a shield who defendest those who trust in Him Psalms 5:11. This protection is intimate, starting from the womb where God covered the psalmist Psalms 139:13.
  • Sovereign Judgment: Conversely, çâkak can represent a divine barrier. God covered Himself with a cloud so prayer could not pass through Lamentations 3:44 and covered His people with anger Lamentations 3:43, showing a severe aspect of being screened off.

Summary

In summary, H5526 is far more than a simple term for covering. It is a word rich with theological implications, describing the sacred screening within the Tabernacle, the intimate protection God offers the faithful, and the severe act of divine judgment. From the wings of the cherubim Ezekiel 28:14 to the shadow of a tree Job 40:22, çâkak illustrates how a single concept of covering can signify God's holiness, His protective care, and His sovereign authority.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb and a noun across 24 occurrences, inflected in 17 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Qal Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Conjunction+Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×

+ 5 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 23 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Exodus (5 verses).

5
Exodus
1
Judges
1
1 Samuel
1
1 Kings
1
1 Chronicles
3
Job
4
Psalms
2
Isaiah
2
Lamentations
2
Ezekiel
1
Nahum

Verse Explorer

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