a primitive root (identical with through the idea of whirling to giddiness); to stun, i.e. (intransitively) be astonished; wonder.
Transliteration:shâʼâh
Pronunciation:shaw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The root שָׁאָה (shâʼâh), `{{H7583}}`, is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around a state of being "stunned" or "astonished." The etymological connection to "whirling to giddiness" suggests an intense, disorienting experience that leads to a profound sense of wonder or shock. This is not merely intellectual surprise but an overwhelming emotional and physical reaction. The intransitive nature of the definition ("be astonished") indicates a state one enters rather than an an action one performs upon another. Its semantic range thus encompasses a spectrum from awe-filled wonder to a more unsettling bewilderment or even dismay, depending on the context of what elicits the astonishment. It speaks to an experience that arrests one's normal faculties, leaving one in a state of profound contemplation or speechless wonder.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb שָׁאָה (shâʼâh), `{{H7583}}`, appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its limited occurrences are significant.
In [[Isaiah 60:5]], the word is used in a context of future glory and restoration for Zion. "Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall *thrill* and expand..." (ESV, "thrill" from שָׁאָה). Here, the astonishment is positive, a joyful wonder at the abundance and divine favor returning to God's people. The heart is so overwhelmed with joy that it "throbs" or "expands" in amazement. This points to a response of awe and delight at God's redemptive work.
Another notable occurrence is in [[Psalm 48:5]] (or [[Psalm 48:6]] in some translations, "They saw it, then they were amazed; They were terrified, they fled in alarm."). Here, the context is the kings of the earth witnessing the strength and divine protection of Jerusalem. The verb שָׁאָה describes their reaction: they "saw, then they were astonished." This astonishment is clearly negative, leading to terror and flight. It's a stunned realization of overwhelming power that evokes fear rather than joy.
The dual nature of the word's application in these contexts—positive awe and negative terror—underscores its capacity to describe a profound, overwhelming emotional and mental state induced by an extraordinary encounter, whether with divine blessing or divine power/judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The idea of being "stunned" or "astonished" connects שָׁאָה (shâʼâh), `{{H7583}}`, to several related Hebrew concepts.
* **`{{H8074}}` (šāmēm):** This root often conveys desolation, ruin, and being appalled. While שָׁאָה can imply a positive astonishment, `{{H8074}}` typically denotes a negative, horrifying shock that leaves one desolate or dumbfounded, often in response to judgment or destruction. There is an overlap in the sense of being "stunned" or "appalled" by something overwhelming.
* **`{{H2730}}` (ḥarad):** To tremble, to be terrified. While שָׁאָה describes the initial state of astonishment, `{{H2730}}` often describes the physical manifestation of fear or trembling that can follow such a realization, as seen in [[Psalm 48:5]] where שָׁאָה is followed by "they were terrified" (חָפַז - `{{H2648}}` or נִבְהֲלוּ - `{{H926}}`).
* **`{{H8539}}` (tāmâh):** To be amazed, wonder. This word is more broadly used for general astonishment or wonder, often in response to something miraculous or extraordinary. While similar in outcome, שָׁאָה carries a stronger sense of being "overwhelmed" or "disoriented" by the experience, hinting at the "giddiness" in its root definition.
These related terms highlight a spectrum of human reactions to the extraordinary, from reverent awe to paralyzing fear, with שָׁאָה capturing the initial, disorienting impact.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁאָה (shâʼâh), `{{H7583}}`, lies in its portrayal of humanity's profound and often visceral response to divine revelation or intervention. Whether in joyful astonishment at God's redemptive grace ([[Isaiah 60:5]]) or in fearful bewilderment at His awesome power and judgment ([[Psalm 48:5]]), the word emphasizes that encounters with the divine are rarely mundane. They are experiences that "stun" the observer, demanding a complete reorientation of perspective. This astonishment can lead to worship and praise, as the heart expands in wonder at God's goodness, or it can lead to terror and flight, as the reality of God's sovereignty overwhelms human resistance. The term underscores the *otherness* of God, whose actions and presence are so far beyond human comprehension that they evoke a disorienting, yet deeply impactful, emotional and spiritual reaction. It implicitly calls for reverence and humility in the face of the divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb שָׁאָה (shâʼâh), `{{H7583}}`, describes a state of being "stunned" or "astonished," stemming from a root idea of "whirling to giddiness." This profound reaction can manifest as joyful wonder and radiant expansion of the heart, as seen in the context of divine restoration ([[Isaiah 60:5]]). Conversely, it can signify a terrifying bewilderment leading to fear and flight in the face of overwhelming power or judgment ([[Psalm 48:5]]). While appearing infrequently, its usage highlights a powerful and disorienting human response to extraordinary encounters, particularly with God's actions or presence. It is related to concepts of desolation (`{{H8074}}`) and general amazement (`{{H8539}}`), but distinct in its emphasis on an overwhelming, almost dizzying impact. Theologically, שָׁאָה underscores the uncontainable nature of God, whose revelation elicits a deep, often visceral, and always transformative response from those who witness it, demanding awe and reverence.
TRV