from an unused root meaning to push aside; contempt; despite(-ful).
Transliteration:shᵉʼâṭ
Pronunciation:sheh-awt'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the primary sense of "to push aside" or "to disregard." From this foundational meaning, the word evolves to denote a deeper emotional and volitional state of "contempt," "scorn," or "despite." It describes an active posture of disdain, where an individual or group is treated as unworthy, insignificant, or deserving of utter disregard. It is not merely a lack of respect, but an intentional act of dismissal, a profound undervaluing that manifests as a despising attitude. The nuance suggests a deliberate act of setting something aside as if it were refuse or of no consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`) appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, found in the book of Ezekiel. This singular occurrence makes its context particularly potent for understanding its biblical application.
* **[[Ezekiel 28:24]]**: "And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD."
In this prophetic passage, God is speaking through Ezekiel about the future restoration and security of Israel. The "pricking brier" and "grieving thorn" represent the hostile surrounding nations. The word שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ) describes the attitude of these nations towards the house of Israel: they "despised them." This contempt was not passive but active, inflicting pain and hardship, akin to a thorn that continually pricks and grieves. The context is one of divine judgment against those who have oppressed and scorned God's chosen people. God promises to remove these sources of affliction, ensuring that Israel will no longer be subjected to such contempt. The ultimate outcome, "they shall know that I am the Lord GOD," underscores that God's intervention is not only for Israel's welfare but also for the manifestation of His own sovereignty and justice to both Israel and the nations. The contempt shown to Israel is, in essence, contempt shown to the God who chose them.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of contempt, as embodied by שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`), is echoed and elaborated by several other Hebrew terms, each with its own specific nuance:
* **בּוּז (bûz, `{{H936}}`)**: This word frequently translates as "contempt" or "scorn" and often describes an attitude of looking down upon someone or something as worthless. It can be directed at wisdom ([[Proverbs 1:7]]), the poor ([[Proverbs 14:21]]), or even divine instruction ([[Proverbs 23:9]]).
* **חָרַף (ḥārāph, `{{H2617}}`)**: Meaning "to reproach," "to taunt," or "to defy," this term often carries the sense of verbal abuse or shaming, which stems from an underlying contempt. It can be directed against individuals ([[2 Kings 19:4]]) or even God Himself ([[Psalm 74:10]]).
* **נָאַץ (nāʼaṣ, `{{H5006}}`)**: This verb signifies "to spurn," "to contemn," or "to treat with contempt." It implies a rejection or disdain, often in the context of rejecting God's word or authority ([[Numbers 14:23]], [[Psalm 10:3]]).
* **קָלַל (qālal, `{{H7036}}`)**: While primarily meaning "to be light" or "to treat lightly," in its Piel stem it means "to curse" or "to treat with contempt." It suggests a debasing or a devaluing of someone or something ([[Genesis 12:3]], [[Exodus 21:17]]).
The common thread among these terms and שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`) is an attitude of disdain that leads to devaluing, rejecting, or actively harming the object of contempt. They collectively paint a picture of pride, arrogance, and a lack of reverence, whether for fellow humans or for God's divine will.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`) in [[Ezekiel 28:24]] carries profound theological weight. It highlights God's perspective on the treatment of His chosen people. The contempt shown by the surrounding nations towards Israel is not merely a political or social slight; it is an affront to God Himself. Israel, as God's covenant people, represents His presence and His purposes on earth. Therefore, to "push aside" or "despise" Israel is, by extension, to show contempt for the God who called them.
The divine response to this contempt is clear: judgment for the perpetrators and vindication for the victims. God promises to remove those who treat His people with disdain, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His justice. The phrase "they shall know that I am the Lord GOD" serves as a powerful theological statement. It signifies that God's actions against those who show contempt are designed to reveal His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness. The ultimate antidote to the contempt of nations is the undeniable revelation of God's identity and authority. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse or despise them will face divine consequence. It speaks to God's protective nature over His own, and His intolerance for attitudes that undermine His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7589}}`), derived from a root meaning "to push aside," encapsulates the profound concept of "contempt" or "despite." Its singular occurrence in [[Ezekiel 28:24]] provides a crucial biblical lens through which to understand its meaning. In this context, it describes the hostile and demeaning attitude of the nations surrounding Israel, who treated God's chosen people with utter disdain. Theologically, this contempt is not merely directed at Israel but implicitly at God Himself, who chose and covenanted with them. God's response to such an attitude is one of decisive intervention, promising to remove the sources of affliction and establish His own sovereignty, ensuring that those who despised His people will ultimately come to "know that I am the Lord GOD." The word, though rare, powerfully conveys the divine abhorrence for attitudes of scorn and the ultimate vindication of those who suffer under them.
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