סָקַל

çâqal /saw-kal'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to be weighty
Meaningbut used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
KJV usage(cast, gather out, throw) stone(-s)
Idioms & phrasesidiom surely.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word çâqal, represented by H5619, is a primitive root primarily used to describe actions involving stones. It appears 22 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its usage, it carries a dual meaning: the violent act of stoning, or lapidation, and its opposite, the clearing or gathering out of stones.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H5619 is most frequently used to denote capital punishment. The Law specifies that certain transgressions, such as enticing others to idolatry, are to be punished by being stoned with stones until death Deuteronomy 13:10. This is also the prescribed penalty for an ox that gores a person to death Exodus 21:28. The term is also used to describe mob violence or the threat of it, as when the Israelites were ready to stone Moses Exodus 17:4 or when the people spoke of stoning David 1 Samuel 30:6. In a contrasting sense, the word describes the agricultural act of clearing a field, as when God gathered out the stones from his metaphorical vineyard Isaiah 5:2 and in the command to gather out the stones to prepare a highway for the people Isaiah 62:10. In some cases, the word is repeated for emphasis, translated as "shall surely be stoned" Exodus 19:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of stoning and clearing:

  • H68 ʼeben (a stone): This is the object used in the action of H5619. The two words are frequently paired, as in the command to stone a person with stones Deuteronomy 17:5.
  • H7275 râgam (to cast together (stones), i.e. to lapidate): This word is a close synonym for the punitive act of stoning. In the account of Achan, both verbs are used to describe the same event, showing their interchangeability Joshua 7:25.
  • H4191 mûwth (to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill): This word often describes the intended result of the action of H5619. The command is to stone an offender so that they die 1 Kings 21:10.
  • H5549 çâlal (to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt): This word provides a functional contrast to H5619. While H5619 can mean clearing stones away, H5549 can mean building them up. Both are used in the command to prepare a way for God's people: "cast up the highway; gather out the stones" Isaiah 62:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5619 is significant and twofold.

  • Execution of Divine Justice: Stoning is the method prescribed by the Law for purging grave sin from the community. It is the penalty for blasphemy 1 Kings 21:13 and certain sexual sins Deuteronomy 22:21, serving to "put evil away from among you" Deuteronomy 22:24.
  • Community Purity: The act was often a communal responsibility, carried out by "all Israel" Joshua 7:25 or the men of a city. This demonstrated the collective duty to uphold the covenant and maintain holiness before God.
  • Preparation for Redemption: In its contrary meaning, "gathering out stones" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive work. It signifies the removal of obstacles and hindrances in preparation for fruitfulness Isaiah 5:2 or the restoration of God's people Isaiah 62:10.

Summary

In summary, H5619 is a dynamic word that conveys two opposing actions: destruction and preparation. It serves as a stark verb for the execution of legal and divine judgment against sin, while also functioning as a metaphor for the grace that clears a path for blessing and restoration. This single root illustrates both the severity of God's law and the thoroughness of His work in making a way for His people.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Pual Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Qal Infinitive Absolute 2×
  • Piel Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
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.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
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 20 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Exodus (6 verses).

6
Exodus
4
Deuteronomy
1
Joshua
1
1 Samuel
2
2 Samuel
4
1 Kings
2
Isaiah

Verse Explorer

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