### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâgal**, represented by `{{H7693}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to copulate with; lie with, ravish**. It appears a total of **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage consistently points to a violent and forceful act of violation, either as a literal consequence of war and judgment or as a stark metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7693}}` appears in contexts of extreme distress and judgment. As a curse for disobedience, the law warns that a man's betrothed wife would be taken by another, who "shall **lie** with her" [[Deuteronomy 28:30]]. In prophecies of divine retribution against cities, it is foretold that as a consequence of conquest, "their wives **ravished**" [[Isaiah 13:16]] and "the women **ravished**" [[Zechariah 14:2]]. The word is also used figuratively to condemn Israel's idolatry, asking where they have "not been **lien** with," connecting the act to polluting the land with "whoredoms" and "wickedness" [[Jeremiah 3:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H7693}}`:
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab**: This is a primitive root meaning **to lie down** for various purposes, including to **ravish**. It appears alongside `{{H7693}}` in all four instances, often translated together to emphasize the act of being "lien with" or "ravished" ([[Zechariah 14:2]], [[Jeremiah 3:2]]).
* `{{H8155}}` **shâçaç**: This word means **to plunder; rifle, spoil**. Its use alongside `{{H7693}}` links the ravishing of women to the broader chaos of military defeat, where houses are also "spoiled" or "rifled" ([[Isaiah 13:16]], [[Zechariah 14:2]]).
* `{{H2184}}` **zᵉnûwth**: Defined as **adultery** or, figuratively, **infidelity, idolatry; whoredom**. This term is used in [[Jeremiah 3:2]] to characterize the spiritual state that `{{H7693}}` metaphorically describes, polluting the land with "whoredoms".
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ**: Meaning **bad** or **evil... wickedness**. This word is paired with "whoredoms" in [[Jeremiah 3:2]] to describe Israel's actions, framing their spiritual unfaithfulness as a profound evil.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7693}}` lies in its depiction of extreme violation and judgment.
* **Consequence of Covenant Breaking:** The word is used to describe one of the most severe curses for disobedience, representing total loss of control, family, and honor [[Deuteronomy 28:30]]. It is an outcome of turning away from God.
* **Horror of Divine Judgment:** In prophetic contexts, the act of being "ravished" is presented as a component of God's judgment executed through warfare, alongside the spoiling of homes and the death of children ([[Isaiah 13:16]], [[Zechariah 14:2]]).
* **Metaphor for Idolatry:** The figurative use in [[Jeremiah 3:2]] powerfully illustrates the depth of Israel's spiritual corruption. By pursuing idols, the nation is portrayed as having violently prostituted itself, defiling its covenant relationship with God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7693}}` **shâgal** is a specific and potent term for violation. It is not used lightly, appearing only in contexts of severe judgment and national catastrophe. Whether describing the literal horrors of war ([[Isaiah 13:16]], [[Zechariah 14:2]]) and covenant curses [[Deuteronomy 28:30]], or serving as a graphic metaphor for the nation's spiritual adultery [[Jeremiah 3:2]], it communicates a profound sense of defilement, loss, and the dire consequences of wickedness.
TRV