from שָׁאָה; uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction; [idiom] horrible, noise, pomp, rushing, tumult ([idiom] -uous).
Transliteration:shâʼôwn
Pronunciation:shaw-one'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שָׁאוֹן (shâʼôwn, `{{H7588}}`) derives from the root שָׁאָה (shâʼâh, `{{H7582}}`), which carries a dual semantic range encompassing both "to rush, to make a noise" and "to be desolate, to be ruined." This dual nature is crucial for understanding שָׁאוֹן. Its primary meaning is an "uproar," a "noise," or a "rushing sound," often implying a loud, tumultuous, or overwhelming auditory experience. This can range from the roar of a multitude to the sound of rushing waters or an advancing army. By implication, especially given its root's connection to desolation, שָׁאוֹן can also signify "destruction" or the chaotic prelude to ruin. The definition further extends its semantic reach to include "pomp" (a noisy, ostentatious display) and "horrible" (in the sense of an overwhelming, terrifying noise or commotion). Thus, שָׁאוֹן describes a dynamic, often destructive, and always significant sound or commotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שָׁאוֹן (shâʼôwn, `{{H7588}}`) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently conveying a sense of intense sound, commotion, or impending doom.
In prophetic literature, שָׁאוֹן frequently describes the tumult of armies or nations gathered for war or judgment. For instance, in [[Isaiah 13:4]], the prophet describes "the noise (שָׁאוֹן) of a multitude in the mountains, like that of a great people! The noise (שָׁאוֹן) of the kingdoms of nations gathered together!" Here, שָׁאוֹן vividly portrays the overwhelming sound of a vast, formidable military force, signaling impending destruction. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 10:22]] speaks of "the noise (שָׁאוֹן) of a report, behold, it comes, and a great commotion (רַעַשׁ, `{{H7494}}`) from the land of the north, to make the cities of Judah a desolation." This context clearly links the "noise" to the arrival of destructive forces.
The word also depicts the general clamor of a populace or the sound of a city. [[Isaiah 24:8]] laments, "The mirth of tambourines ceases, the noise (שָׁאוֹן) of those who rejoice ends, the joy of the harp ceases." Here, שָׁאוֹן refers to the festive sounds of celebration, which are now silenced due to judgment. In [[Isaiah 17:12]], it describes "the uproar (שָׁאוֹן) of many peoples, who roar like the roaring of the seas, and the rushing (שָׁאוֹן) of nations, who rush like the rushing of mighty waters." This double usage emphasizes the overwhelming, wave-like nature of the nations' commotion.
Furthermore, שָׁאוֹן can denote the "pomp" or proud display of human power, which is ultimately brought low by divine action. [[Isaiah 25:5]] states, "You subdue the noise (שָׁאוֹן) of the foreigners, as heat in a dry place; as the heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is brought low." Here, "noise" or "pomp" refers to the arrogant, boisterous display of oppressive nations, which God silences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שָׁאוֹן (shâʼôwn, `{{H7588}}`) is enriched by its relationship with several other Hebrew terms describing sound, commotion, and destruction.
Most directly related is its root, שָׁאָה (shâʼâh, `{{H7582}}`), a verb meaning "to rush," "to make a noise," but also "to be desolate" or "to be ruined." This dual meaning of the root directly informs the implied destructive aspect of שָׁאוֹן.
Other related terms include:
* קול (qol, `{{H6963}}`): A very general term for "voice" or "sound." שָׁאוֹן is a specific, often intense and chaotic, type of קול.
* המוּלה (hâmûlâh, `{{H1998}}`): Meaning "tumult," "commotion," or "throng." This word is very close in meaning to שָׁאוֹן, often used interchangeably to describe the noise of a crowd or army.
* רעש (ra'ash, `{{H7494}}`): Signifying "trembling," "earthquake," or "commotion." While שָׁאוֹן focuses more on the auditory aspect, רעש often implies a physical shaking or disturbance that produces noise.
* המה (hāmâ, `{{H1993}}`): A verb meaning "to make a noise," "to roar," "to be in commotion." This verb captures the dynamic action underlying the noun שָׁאוֹן.
The concept of "desolation" (e.g., חָרְבָּה, chorbah, `{{H2723}}`) is also intimately linked, as the "uproar" often precedes or signifies the arrival of ruin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁאוֹן (shâʼôwn, `{{H7588}}`) is profound, often serving as a powerful descriptor of divine judgment and the transient nature of human power.
Firstly, שָׁאוֹן frequently functions as an auditory manifestation of God's impending wrath or the execution of His judgment. The "uproar" of nations or armies is not merely random chaos but is often depicted as a divinely orchestrated event, a "noise" that God himself raises or permits to achieve His sovereign purposes. It represents the breaking of human order and the onset of divine intervention, leading to desolation for the ungodly. The terrifying "noise" of invading armies underscores God's control over the nations and His ability to use them as instruments of His justice.
Secondly, when שָׁאוֹן refers to "pomp" or the "noise" of the ruthless, it highlights the futility and transience of human pride and power apart from God. The boastful clamor of oppressive nations or the revelry of the wicked is ultimately silenced by divine decree. This serves as a theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and His commitment to establishing justice. The "noise" of human arrogance is temporary, while the quietude of God's peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom, `{{H7965}}`) is eternal.
Finally, שָׁאוֹן contrasts sharply with the peace and order that God desires for His people and His creation. It represents the disruptive, chaotic forces of a fallen world, whether human conflict or the consequences of sin. Yet, even within this chaos, God's voice and purpose prevail, demonstrating His ability to bring order out of disorder and to use even the greatest "uproar" to fulfill His redemptive plan.
### Summary
שָׁאוֹן (shâʼôwn, `{{H7588}}`) is a rich Hebrew term primarily denoting an "uproar," "noise," or "rushing sound," often with strong implications of "destruction" or "desolation." Derived from a root signifying both noise and ruin, it captures the dynamic and often overwhelming auditory experience of a multitude, an advancing army, or a great commotion. Biblical occurrences consistently place שָׁאוֹן in contexts of impending divine judgment, describing the terrifying sounds of war, the clamor of nations, or the cessation of human revelry. It can also refer to the "pomp" or proud display of human power, which God ultimately silences. Theologically, שָׁאוֹן serves as a potent symbol of God's sovereign control over the nations, His use of chaos as an instrument of judgment, and the ultimate futility of human pride in the face of divine power. It underscores the contrast between the world's turbulent "uproar" and God's enduring peace and order.
TRV