for active part of שׂוּט (compare שְׁאָט); one contemning; that (which) despise(-d).
Transliteration:shâʼṭ
Pronunciation:shawt
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שָׁאט (shâʼṭ, `{{H7590}}`) functions as an active participle derived from the root שׂוּט (sûṭ, `{{H7754}}`), which conveys the primary sense of "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to be contemptuous." The related noun, שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7591}}`), signifies "contempt" or "scorn." Therefore, shâʼṭ (`{{H7590}}`) specifically denotes "one who contemns" or "that which despises." Its semantic range encompasses the active state of showing disdain, scorn, or contempt, implying a deliberate turning away from or devaluation of another. This is not merely a passive disregard but an active, often aggressive, posture of looking down upon, rejecting, or treating with utter disdain. The participle form emphasizes the ongoing nature of this contemptuous attitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שָׁאט (shâʼṭ, `{{H7590}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[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 sole occurrence, the word appears as הַשָּׁאטִים (haš-šā’ṭîm), a plural active participle, meaning "those who despise" or "the despisers." The context is prophetic, detailing God's judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. These nations are characterized as a constant source of pain and affliction ("pricking brier," "grieving thorn") for the house of Israel. The nature of their harm is explicitly defined by their contemptuous attitude ("that despised them"). This contempt was not merely a feeling but manifested in actions that caused suffering for God's chosen people. The divine promise is that these sources of scorn and affliction will be removed, leading to Israel's security and the nations' recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty. The contempt of the surrounding nations is presented as a direct affront to God's covenant with Israel, necessitating divine intervention and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of שָׁאט (shâʼṭ, `{{H7590}}`) is significantly enhanced by its linguistic connections:
* **שׁוּט (sûṭ, `{{H7754}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to turn aside," "deviate," or "be contemptuous." This highlights the active turning away or rejection inherent in despising.
* **שְׁאָט (shᵉʼâṭ, `{{H7591}}`)**: The noun form, directly meaning "contempt" or "scorn." This noun encapsulates the very essence of the attitude expressed by the participle shâʼṭ.
Other Hebrew terms that share a semantic field with contempt and disdain include:
* **בּוּז (bûz, `{{H936}}`)**: To despise, scorn, or hold in contempt. Often used for despising wisdom, God's word, or the poor.
* **קָלָל (qālāl, `{{H7034}}`)**: To be light, swift; in a negative sense, to be lightly esteemed, despised, or cursed.
* **נָאַץ (nā’aṣ, `{{H5006}}`)**: To spurn, revile, blaspheme; often used in the context of despising God or His commandments.
While these words convey similar negative attitudes, שָׁאט (`{{H7590}}`) specifically emphasizes the *agent* of contempt, highlighting the active role of those who hold others in disdain, particularly in a context of oppression or antagonism.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of שָׁאט (shâʼṭ, `{{H7590}}`) in [[Ezekiel 28:24]] carries profound theological weight. It reveals God's perspective on contempt directed towards His people.
1. **Sinfulness of Contempt**: Despising others, especially those chosen by God, is presented as a grievous sin. The nations' contempt for Israel is not merely a political grievance but an act of hostility that causes "pricking" and "grieving." This aligns with a broader biblical understanding that devaluing human beings, who are made in God's image, is an affront to the Creator.
2. **Divine Justice and Vindication**: God promises to remove those who despise His people. This demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people's well-being. The removal of "the despisers" is an act of divine justice, ensuring that those who inflict pain through scorn will face consequences. It underscores God's role as the vindicator of the oppressed.
3. **Recognition of God's Sovereignty**: The ultimate outcome of God's judgment against "the despisers" is that "they shall know that I am the Lord GOD." This highlights a central theme in Ezekiel: God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, are ultimately aimed at revealing His supreme authority and unique identity as Yahweh. Even the contemptuous actions of nations serve, albeit unwittingly, to magnify God's power and faithfulness.
4. **Protection of the Vulnerable**: The passage portrays Israel as vulnerable to the contempt and aggression of surrounding nations. God's intervention signifies His role as the protector of the weak and the defender of His heritage.
### Summary
שָׁאט (shâʼṭ, `{{H7590}}`) is an active participle derived from the root שׂוּט (`{{H7754}}`), meaning "one who contemns" or "that which despises." Its single biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 28:24]] powerfully depicts the surrounding nations as "the despisers" of Israel, acting as a source of constant affliction. The term underscores the active and harmful nature of contempt. Theologically, this word highlights the sinfulness of despising God's people, God's commitment to divine justice and the vindication of the oppressed, and the ultimate revelation of His sovereignty through His intervention. It serves as a stark reminder of the divine response to attitudes and actions rooted in scorn and disdain.
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