a primitive root; to loll, i.e. be peaceful; be at ease, be quiet, rest. See also בֵּית שְׁאָן.
Transliteration:shâʼan
Pronunciation:shaw-an'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb שָׁאַן (shâʼan, `{{H7599}}`) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of being settled, unperturbed, or unmoving. Its semantic range encompasses "to loll," "to be at ease," "to be quiet," and "to rest." At its most basic, it describes a state of tranquility and freedom from disturbance. However, the precise nuance of *shâʼan* is heavily dependent on its context. It can denote a positive, divinely-granted peace and security, a restful state achieved through trust in God. More frequently, however, it carries a negative connotation, signifying complacency, false security, or an arrogant sense of ease that blinds one to impending danger or divine judgment. This dual potential highlights the importance of discerning the source and nature of the "ease" being described.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of שָׁאַן (shâʼan, `{{H7599}}`) in the Hebrew Bible reveal a consistent pattern, predominantly highlighting its negative implications.
In [[Psalm 122:7]], the word appears in a prayer for Jerusalem's peace: "May there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your citadels." Here, "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*) is associated with the desired state of being at ease, a positive aspiration for the city's inhabitants. Similarly, [[Isaiah 32:18]] promises a future where God's people "will live in peaceful habitations, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places," suggesting a divinely-ordained tranquility.
However, the majority of instances portray *shâʼan* in a critical light. In [[Job 3:26]], Job laments, "I was not at ease, nor was I quiet; I had no rest, but trouble came." Here, the *absence* of *shâʼan* is part of Job's suffering, underscoring the human desire for this state, even as the broader biblical narrative often warns against its false manifestation.
The prophetic books frequently employ *shâʼan* to condemn nations or individuals for their complacency. [[Isaiah 32:9-11]] pronounces woe upon "complacent women" and "careless daughters," warning them of coming judgment because they are "at ease" when they should be vigilant. [[Jeremiah 48:11]] describes Moab as having been "at ease from his youth," settled like wine on its lees, never having been poured from vessel to vessel, which led to its pride and lack of repentance. This "ease" is presented as the root cause of their downfall. [[Ezekiel 30:9]] mentions that when Egypt is "at ease" (or secure), a swift messenger will go forth to terrify Ethiopia. Most strikingly, [[Zephaniah 1:12]] declares God's intention to "punish the men who are complacent, those who are settled on their lees, who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’" This passage directly links *shâʼan* to spiritual apathy and a dangerous skepticism regarding divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שָׁאַן (shâʼan, `{{H7599}}`) intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms. The most prominent is perhaps שָׁלוֹם (*shalom*, `{{H7951}}`), which denotes a state of wholeness, well-being, and peace. While *shalom* is inherently positive, *shâʼan* often describes a superficial or ill-founded sense of *shalom* that lacks true depth or divine sanction.
Another closely related term is שָׁלַו (*shalav*, `{{H7937}}`), meaning "to be at ease," "prosperous," or "secure." Like *shâʼan*, *shalav* can describe both legitimate prosperity and a dangerous, unrighteous ease, as seen in [[Psalm 73:3]] regarding the prosperity of the wicked.
The concept of rest is also shared with נוּחַ (*nuach*, `{{H5117}}`), which signifies cessation from labor, settling down, or finding repose. While *nuach* can be a physical rest, *shâʼan* often implies a more psychological or existential state of being undisturbed.
Conversely, the antonyms of *shâʼan* include agitation, fear, restlessness, and turmoil. It stands in stark contrast to a state of being disturbed, uprooted, or in constant striving. The theological tension lies between true, God-given peace and the deceptive, self-generated complacency that *shâʼan* so often represents.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁאַן (shâʼan, `{{H7599}}`) is profound, serving primarily as a warning against spiritual apathy and false security. While God is the ultimate source of true peace and rest, offering a *shalom* that is deep, enduring, and rooted in covenant faithfulness, humanity often seeks a superficial "ease" apart from Him.
The frequent negative usage of *shâʼan* highlights complacency as a grave spiritual danger. It describes a state of self-satisfaction and indifference, where individuals or nations feel secure in their own strength, wealth, or perceived invulnerability, thereby neglecting their dependence on God. This complacency leads to a spiritual blindness, preventing recognition of sin, divine warnings, or the need for repentance. It often manifests as pride and a lack of self-examination, where one believes "the Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill" ([[Zephaniah 1:12]]).
The prophets, in particular, leveraged *shâʼan* to underscore the perilous state of those who were "at ease" when they should have been seeking God, mourning over their sins, or preparing for judgment. This false sense of security ultimately invites divine wrath, as it represents a rejection of God's sovereignty and a misplaced trust in human endeavors or circumstances.
In essence, *shâʼan* challenges believers to differentiate between genuine, faith-rooted peace (which is an active trust in God amidst life's challenges) and a dangerous, passive indifference that leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb שָׁאַן (shâʼan, `{{H7599}}`) primarily means "to be at ease," "to be quiet," or "to rest." While it can denote a positive state of peacefulness or security, its predominant use in the Old Testament carries a strong negative connotation, signifying **complacency, false security, or arrogant ease**. This dangerous state is often attributed to those who feel secure in their own strength or prosperity, neglecting divine warnings or the call to righteousness. Prophetic literature frequently employs *shâʼan* to condemn this spiritual indifference, linking it directly to impending divine judgment. The concept serves as a crucial theological caution against a superficial or self-generated peace, contrasting it sharply with the true, God-given peace that arises from genuine faith and humble dependence on the Lord.
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