### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7830}}` (שַׁחַץ, shachats) derives from an unused root that apparently conveys the idea of "to strut." This etymological root points to an outward display or posture that signifies an inner state. The primary meaning of *shachats* is "haughtiness (as evinced by the attitude)," indicating that it describes not merely the feeling of pride, but its observable manifestation through bearing, demeanor, or actions. The base definition also includes an idiomatic usage: "lion, pride." This connection to the "lion" is significant, as lions are often symbolic of power, majesty, and an unchallenged position, which can easily translate into arrogance or self-importance when applied to creatures or humans. The "pride" here refers to the quality of haughtiness rather than a group of lions. Thus, *shachats* encapsulates a proud, arrogant, and imposing disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7830}}` (שַׁחַץ, shachats) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Job, and always in the construct phrase "בְנֵי שָׁחַץ" (beney shachats), meaning "sons of pride" or "sons of haughtiness."
1. **[[Job 28:8]]**: "The proud beasts have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed over it."
In this chapter, Job describes the unsearchable nature of wisdom, contrasting it with human endeavors to extract precious metals from the earth. The "proud beasts" (בְנֵי שָׁחַץ) and the "fierce lion" (שָׁחַל) are powerful, untamed creatures that do not know the path to wisdom, a path hidden even from the keenest sight of birds of prey. Here, *shachats* refers to the inherent arrogance or untamed power of wild animals, emphasizing that even their formidable strength and independence cannot lead them to divine wisdom.
2. **[[Job 41:34]] (Masoretic text 41:26)**: "He looks on everything high; he is king over all the sons of pride."
This verse concludes the extensive description of Leviathan, a formidable and untamable creature presented by God as an example of His unparalleled power. Leviathan is declared "king over all the sons of pride" (מֶלֶךְ עַל-כָּל-בְּנֵי-שָׁחַץ). In this context, "sons of pride" likely refers to all other powerful, proud, and untamable creatures or even metaphorical representations of human arrogance and rebellion. Leviathan is portrayed as the ultimate embodiment of *shachats* in the created order, a creature so powerful and unyielding that no human can subdue it. This serves to magnify God's own supreme power, as He alone is capable of creating and controlling such a being.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Synonyms for Pride/Arrogance:**
* `{{H1346}}` (גָּאוֹן, ga'on): Majesty, pride, arrogance. Can refer to divine glory or human hubris.
* `{{H1347}}` (גֵּאוּת, ge'ut): Exaltation, pride, arrogance. Similar to `{{H1346}}`.
* `{{H1361}}` (גָּבַהּ, gavah): To be high, exalted; often used to describe pride or haughtiness.
* `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, rum): To be high, exalted; can also imply pride.
* `{{H2086}}` (זָדוֹן, zadon): Insolence, presumption, arrogance, often leading to defiant sin.
* **Symbolism of the Lion:** The idiomatic connection of *shachats* to the "lion" evokes the creature's ferocity, strength, and unchallenged position. This symbolism reinforces the idea of an imposing, perhaps even intimidating, form of pride.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** The opposite of *shachats* would be humility, lowliness, submission, or meekness, virtues highly valued in biblical wisdom literature and prophetic writings.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, `{{H7830}}` (שַׁחַץ, shachats) carries significant theological weight, particularly within the theological framework of the book of Job.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over All Creation:** The primary theological implication of *shachats* is its role in highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty. By describing powerful, untamed creatures (including Leviathan, the "king over all the sons of pride") as embodying *shachats*, the text implicitly contrasts their formidable, yet creaturely, arrogance with the infinite, unchallengeable power and wisdom of God. Even the most majestic and self-assertive parts of creation are ultimately subject to their Creator.
2. **The Limits of Creaturely Power and Wisdom:** In [[Job 28:8]], the "sons of pride" cannot access the hidden path of wisdom. This suggests that inherent strength or self-importance is no substitute for, and indeed can be an obstacle to, true wisdom, which belongs to God alone. This reinforces the theme that human (and creaturely) understanding is limited and dependent on divine revelation.
3. **Pride as an Obstacle to God's Ways:** While *shachats* is used for animals, it resonates with the broader biblical condemnation of pride as a fundamental human sin. Pride, whether in humans or personified in powerful beasts, represents a spirit of independence and self-exaltation that stands in opposition to acknowledging God's rightful place. The "sons of pride" represent that which is untamed and perhaps even rebellious against divine order, yet ultimately subdued by God's power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7830}}` (שַׁחַץ, shachats) denotes haughtiness or pride, particularly as it is outwardly manifested through an imposing attitude or bearing. Its rare occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively in the book of Job ([[Job 28:8]] and [[Job 41:34]]), are profound. In both instances, *shachats* appears in the phrase "sons of pride," referring to powerful, untamed creatures, culminating in Leviathan, who is declared "king over all the sons of pride." This usage underscores the formidable, self-assertive nature of these creatures. Theologically, *shachats* serves to magnify the absolute sovereignty of God. By presenting even the most powerful and arrogant creatures as "sons of pride" over whom God is supreme, the text emphasizes that all creaturely strength and haughtiness are ultimately subservient to the Creator's infinite wisdom and power. It implicitly warns against any form of pride that would challenge God's authority, reinforcing the biblical truth that only God is truly exalted above all.