### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâʼâh**, represented by `{{H7583}}`, means **to stun, be astonished, or wonder**. It is a primitive root derived from the idea of whirling to giddiness. This specific term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single appearance highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7583}}` is found in the story of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac. In a moment of quiet anticipation, the servant is described as **wondering** at Rebekah while he "held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not" [[Genesis 24:21]]. The word captures a state of stunned astonishment and hopeful waiting, as the man observes the signs to discern God's guidance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H376}}` **ʼîysh**: a man as an individual or a male person. It is used to identify the servant as the specific **man** who was experiencing this state of wonder [[Genesis 24:21]].
* `{{H2790}}` **chârash**: to be silent, hold peace, or conceal. This is used in parallel with `{{H7583}}` to show the servant's posture: he was **wondering** internally while he externally "held his peace" [[Genesis 24:21]].
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ**: to know, properly, to ascertain by seeing. The servant’s astonished silence was for the purpose of coming to **know** whether God had made his journey prosperous [[Genesis 24:21]].
* `{{H6743}}` **tsâlach**: to push forward, or to cause to prosper. The servant’s wonder was tied to discovering if God had made his journey **prosperous** [[Genesis 24:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7583}}` is centered on the posture of discerning God's will.
* **Anticipation of Divine Will:** The use of `{{H7583}}` highlights a key theological stance: a person in a state of stunned wonder, silently and attentively waiting to discern God's providence [[Genesis 24:21]].
* **Internal State vs. External Action:** The word marks a moment where the internal state of astonishment is paired with external inaction ("held his peace"). This suggests that recognizing God's work sometimes requires stillness and observation before acting.
* **A Precursor to Knowledge:** This state of "wondering" is the step just before "knowing" `{{H3045}}`. It is the human response of awe when faced with the possibility that God is making a journey prosperous `{{H6743}}`, as seen in the servant's mission [[Genesis 24:21]].
### Summary
In summary, while **shâʼâh** `{{H7583}}` is used only once, its appearance is powerful. It encapsulates the profound human experience of being stunned into silent wonder while awaiting a clear sign of God's direction. It is not an expression of confusion, but of focused, awestruck anticipation, linking the act of wondering directly to the process of discerning divine will and recognizing a prosperous outcome orchestrated by God [[Genesis 24:21]].